Nigeria Advocates for Drought Management at COP17

At the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Nigeria called for a legally binding framework on proactive drought management. Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, leading Nigeria's delegation, stated the country's commitment to achieving land degradation neutrality.

He emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation and support in areas such as financing, water security, land restoration, food systems, and soil health. Lawal noted that approximately 50% of Nigeria’s land is affected by degradation, impacting agriculture, pastoralism, and rural communities.

He urged for proactive drought management strategies, including early warning systems and national drought plans. Saleh Abubakar, Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), mentioned that the conference would allow Nigeria to exchange ideas on successful land restoration and drought resilience programs.

NAGGW aims to enhance drought preparedness and improve cooperation among various stakeholders.