Nigeria calls for proactive drought management at COP17

Nigeria is advocating for a shift from reactive drought response to proactive management strategies, emphasizing early-warning systems and anticipatory action to combat land degradation and desertification. Speaking at the COP17 conference of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal highlighted that approximately 50 per cent of Nigeria’s land is currently degraded.

Lawal noted that these environmental challenges directly impact food security, water resources, livelihoods, migration, and national stability. He called for increased international cooperation regarding climate finance, water security, and soil health to help translate international commitments into measurable results. Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to achieving land degradation neutrality and advancing the Great Green Wall initiative.

Additionally, the Nigerian delegation expressed support for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 to bolster the resilience of pastoral communities. Saleh Abubakar, Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, noted that the conference serves as a vital platform for exchanging ideas on successful land restoration and drought resilience.