By Ifelayo Joshua | January 20, 2026
The Federal Government on Tuesday validated a revised national policy aimed at combating desertification, land degradation and drought across Nigeria.
Speaking at the validation workshop on the “Review of the National Policy on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought,” the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr Mahmud Kambari, said the updated policy would strengthen environmental sustainability and provide practical solutions to pressing ecological challenges.
“This occasion represents a vital milestone in our efforts to address desertification, land degradation and drought in Nigeria,” Lawal stated. “These are not abstract environmental concepts, they directly threaten agricultural productivity, water availability, food security, biodiversity and socio‑economic stability, especially in arid and semi‑arid regions.”
He emphasised that the validation workshop is more than an endorsement; it is a platform for stakeholders to critically examine the policy’s objectives, strategies and implementation mechanisms, ensuring it reflects a shared national vision.
“It must encapsulate the realities at national, state and local levels, recognising different ecological zones and unique challenges,” he added.
Lawal noted that desertification and drought have led to failed harvests, livestock losses, increased poverty and even displacement of communities. “Desertification steadily reduces land productivity, weakens ecosystems and places additional pressure on already scarce natural resources,” he said.
The minister expressed optimism that the policy will serve as a foundation for integrated, long‑term solutions benefiting both people and the environment. He acknowledged that while the government will provide leadership, successful implementation requires strong partnerships with the private sector, civil society, research institutions and local communities.
Mr Mahmud Kambari, represented by Mrs Regina Nwaneri, Director of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought Management, highlighted that the existing policy framework, though useful, needed updating to address new realities, emerging risks and evolving national and international commitments. “The reviewed policy places stronger emphasis on early‑warning systems, preparedness, resilience‑building and coordinated institutional action,” she said.
National Project Coordinator for Agro‑Climatic Resilience in Semi‑Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Mr Abdulhameed Umar, represented by Alhaji Musa Shuaibu, commended the validation and expressed hope that, with World Bank support, land‑degradation challenges would be effectively addressed.
FAO representative Mr Precious Agbesor welcomed the policy, noting its alignment with Nigeria’s commitments under global frameworks such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 1, 2, 13 and 15.
“This inclusiveness is critical, as successful implementation will depend on shared ownership and coordinated action across sectors and levels,” he said.
Mrs Rose Okonkwo, Executive Director of Programme Management at NNPC Foundation Limited, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to environmental issues, pledging support to cushion the effects of climate change.
The validation workshop, supported by ACReSAL and other partners, aims to produce an inclusive, realistic and effective framework to tackle climate challenges at both local and national levels.
