Abuja, June 7, 2026 – Nigeria has renewed its resolve to promote environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection and land restoration efforts as part of broader initiatives aimed at tackling climate challenges across the Sahel region.
The commitment was highlighted in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment following Nigeria’s participation at the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Representing the country at the event, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Mr. Saleh Abubakar, said Nigeria remained committed to implementing programmes that address the effects of climate change, particularly in the 11 frontline states most vulnerable to desertification and environmental degradation.
According to him, the international gathering brought together heads of government, policymakers, environmental specialists, development agencies and other stakeholders to discuss solutions to pressing environmental concerns and strategies for sustainable development.
He noted that the assembly provided an important platform for strengthening global cooperation in areas such as climate action, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
Abubakar stressed the agency’s determination to deepen collaboration with international partners to attract greater support for the Great Green Wall project and related environmental restoration initiatives across Nigeria.
He explained that the programme is designed to curb desertification, reverse land degradation, improve livelihoods, enhance food security and build resilient communities in affected regions.
The NAGGW chief further appealed for increased backing from development partners and global institutions to help accelerate efforts aimed at restoring degraded landscapes in northern Nigeria and empowering local communities to play a more active role in environmental conservation.
Participants from 186 countries attended the assembly, where discussions focused on environmental financing, climate resilience, pollution control and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Nigeria expressed optimism that stronger international partnerships and sustained investment in restoration programmes would contribute significantly to achieving long-term environmental sustainability and climate resilience across vulnerable regions.