NAGGW seeks Kano Gov’t support to deepen afforestation, land restoration

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has called for greater collaboration with the Kano State Government to strengthen afforestation, land restoration, and climate resilience initiatives across the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Director General of NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, described Kano as a strategic operational base for the agency, noting that its Afforestation Project Coordinating Unit is headquartered in the state.

“We are soldiers of the environment, fighting the encroachment of the Sahara Desert into our lands. Kano is not just a host, it is our home,” Abubakar said. “We have already raised millions of seedlings for this year’s planting season and are ready to partner with the state government to identify suitable plantation sites.”

He disclosed that Gabasawa and Makoda local government areas had been earmarked for agroforestry and livelihood intervention projects.

However, he raised concerns over land encroachment and vandalism of NAGGW assets in Gabasawa, urging the state government to address the matter and, if necessary, allocate alternative lands to support the agency’s goals.

The DG further revealed that the agency plans to distribute five million date palm seedlings nationwide this planting season, with Kano set to receive a substantial allocation.

In his response, Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, assured the agency of the state’s commitment to supporting environmental sustainability.

“We value NAGGW’s consistent efforts in combating desertification, and this administration stands ready to support and expand these initiatives,” he said. “Kano leads in land restoration efforts nationwide, having reclaimed over 37,000 hectares of degraded land through projects like ACReSAL.”

He said the state had already raised more than three million seedlings in six nurseries and was on track to meet its 2025 target of five million. Dr. Hashim stressed the importance of involving local communities in tree planting campaigns and announced plans to introduce incentive schemes to ensure tree survival and maintenance.

To boost forest protection, the commissioner revealed that the state government has approved the recruitment of new forest guards and doubled their salaries to tackle rising deforestation and land encroachment.

“We are ready to work with NAGGW on shelterbelt projects, woodland expansion, and communal forest preservation,” he said. “This partnership is about more than planting trees, it’s about restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and improving public health.”