The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, during the Ninth National Council on Environment yesterday in Makurdi, revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan has approved about N10 billion to implement the Great Green Wall (GGW) Programme.
Mrs. Mailafia also disclosed that the World Bank and the Federal Government are also assisting the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) with $400 million.
Mailafia said: “Mr President has graciously approved the sum of N10 billion for the implementation of the GGW programme over a period of 36 months.
“Similarly, the sum of over $400 million have also been set aside for the NEWMAP programme.”
The GGW programme involves the planting of trees covering 1,500 km long and 15 km wide from Dandi Arewa Local Area of Kebbi State to Marte Local Area in Borno State.
According to her, the amount will be used to address desert encroachment in the 11 frontline states of the north.
Commenting on soil erosion in the country, the Minister said the Federal Government has started work on flood control infrastructure across the country.
She said apart from the NEWMAP, the measure adopted by the Federal Government was to deflood, to protect lives and properties.
She urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to take cognisance of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act No. 86 when contracts are awarded, adding that automated Flood Early Warning Systems have been installed in flood prone areas.
In his Statement, the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, who was represented by his Deputy, Steven Lawani, highlighted global population growth and industrialisation as causes of environmental problems among nations.
He said while desertification ravages the north, flooding and erosion threaten the survival of the southern population.
Similarly, the Wife of the Governor, Dooshima Suswam, who was also in attendance, urged women in the country to plant trees, stating that this would encourage afforestation.