The federal government has validated an updated national policy aimed at addressing desertification, land degradation and drought.
NAN reports that the policy was validated on Tuesday at a workshop on the “review of the national policy on desertification, land degradation and drought” in Abuja.
Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment, said the updated document would strengthen efforts to tackle environmental degradation and promote sustainability across the country.
Represented by Mahmud Kambari, permanent secretary of the ministry, Lawal said the validation marked a critical stage in the policy review process, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to assess its objectives, strategies and implementation mechanisms.
“This occasion represents a vital milestone in our efforts to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought in Nigeria,” he said.
“Drought and Desertification are not abstract environmental concepts. This validation workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to carefully examine the revised policy document, assess its objectives, strategies, and implementation mechanisms, and ensure that it reflects a shared national vision.”
The minister said the review was not merely for endorsement but to ensure collective ownership of the policy, identify gaps and refine approaches to make the document practical, inclusive and results-oriented.
According to him, desertification and drought threaten agricultural productivity, water availability, food security, biodiversity and socio-economic stability, with severe impacts on farming and pastoral communities.
Lawal expressed optimism that the policy would serve as a foundation for integrated and long-term solutions.
“The draft National Drought and Desertification Policy document before us today is the outcome of the review of the existing policy which commenced on July 2, 2025 with the inception workshop which brought stakeholders from the 36 states of the federation including the FCT,” he added.
“Government would provide the leadership needed for its full implementation but it must be complemented by strong partnerships with the private sector, civil society, research institutions, and local communities.”
Also speaking, Kambari, represented by Regina Nwaneri, director of desertification, land degradation and drought management, said the existing policy framework had become outdated and needed to respond to emerging risks and evolving national and international commitments.
“The reviewed policy is expected to place stronger emphasis on early warning systems, preparedness, resilience building, and coordinated institutional action,” he said.
Abdulhameed Umar, national project coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, said land degradation remained a major environmental challenge and commended the validation of the policy.
Umar, represented by Musa Shuaibu, expert adviser on landscape restoration and wetland management at ACReSAL, expressed optimism that the policy would strengthen efforts to combat desertification and drought with support from the World Bank.
Precious Agbesor, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative, described the validation as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to promote sustainable land management and climate resilience.
“The policy aligns strongly with Nigeria’s commitments under global and regional frameworks, including the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs one, two, 13 and 15,” Agbesor said.
“This inclusiveness is critical, as successful implementation will depend on shared ownership and coordinated action across sectors and levels.”
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