Presidential committee on ecological intervention inaugurated

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of the “Nguru” Ecological Intervention Programme.

Nguru is a community in Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria, as the Minister of Environment, Muhammad Abdullahi inaugurated the committee in Abuja on behalf of the Federal Government, which is a collaborative partnerships of all stakeholders including royal fathers for the government alone cannot solve and mitigate afforestation.

“You may recall that the Emir of Nguru, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mustafa Ibn Mai Kyari on behalf of the Forest Farmers (Nguru) Cooperative Society, requested ecological funds for the afforestation of degraded land to mitigate climate change impacts within the Emirate, the said land was cleared in 2017 through the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to enable the implementation of the livelihood project called Rural Agriculture Re-modelled Project Strategies. Since this request conforms with the vision and developmental agenda of the present administration, especially the attainment of the NDC and global emission reduction”, he disclosed.

The minister explained that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that an inter-ministerial committee, comprising relevant ministries and agencies be set up to consider the request and come up with recommendations that must include, but not limited to modalities for implementation and ascertaining the cost implications.

“I am confident that the committee being inaugurated today is composed of seasoned professionals and bureaucrats that would produce results that would assist not only in the delivery on the assignment at hand but also in the achievement of the far-reaching Government policies” He stated.

The Minister, also noted that the government is committed to tackling climate change and environmental challenges, food security, as well as other socio-economic problems across the country while improving the general well-being of the people. This is being demonstrated through our various policies, programmes and initiatives, some of which as you are aware, and are inter-sectoral. It is also being demonstrated by Mr. President’s directive to the effect that this committee should be established”, Abdullahi said.

The Chairman of Committee and Director of Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Hajara Sani said that the committee would spring into action as soon as possible to ensure preparatory plans were in place for the implementation of the programme.