The Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) has reaffirmed its collaboration with the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) to advance watershed management, restore degraded lands, and promote environmental sustainability.
During a courtesy visit to NAGGW headquarters, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Ayuba Yalaks, commended the agency’s leadership and achievements, particularly its successful hosting of the 10th Anniversary of the Great Green Wall in Dutse, Jigawa State. He described the milestone as “a strong testament to the agency’s commitment to environmental restoration.”
Yalaks praised the NAGGW’s five-year strategic plan to plant date palm trees across the Sahel’s shelter belt corridor, noting its potential to enhance livelihoods, strengthen food security, boost biodiversity, create green jobs, and build resilience in affected communities. He described the Great Green Wall as “not just a wall of trees, but a wall of hope, security, economic growth, and peace.”
Highlighting NEWMAP-EIB’s mandate, he explained that the five-year European Investment Bank–funded project focuses on climate change adaptation, erosion and flood control, and watershed management. He stressed that NAGGW remains a key partner in advancing Nigeria’s green economy agenda under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Yalaks also urged greater investment in research and development to maximize the economic potential of tree planting, including value chains in post-harvest management, agrochemicals, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals.
In his response, NAGGW Director General, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, MFR, welcomed the visit and pledged continued collaboration. Both agencies reaffirmed their shared commitment to tackling watershed challenges, restoring degraded lands, and fostering environmental resilience across the Sahel.
The visit was attended by NEWMAP-EIB’s Federal Project Management Unit specialists and senior NAGGW officials.
