FG Plans to Restore 1 Million Hectares of Degraded Land by 2028: What It Means for Nigeria’s Environment

The Nigerian federal government has outlined an ambitious plan to restore 1 million hectares of degraded land in northern Nigeria by 2028. This announcement was made by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan.

Lawal emphasized that the project, known as the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), will leverage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for integrated catchment management to address the environmental challenges facing the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Key Goals of the ACReSAL Project

The primary objectives of the ACReSAL project include:

• Restoring 1 million hectares of degraded land by 2028.
• Reducing poverty and enhancing food security through climate-smart agriculture.
• Promoting sustainable, climate-resilient practices.
• Integrating watershed management, land restoration, and community resilience efforts.

The Minister stressed that the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader environmental goals of tackling climate change, fostering sustainable development, and empowering local communities with innovative solutions to build resilience and ensure long-term environmental health.

Lawal reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the best environmental practices, emphasizing the nation’s determination to contribute to global efforts for a safe and sustainable earth.