The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has urged communities in its 11 frontline states to take ownership of its projects and assets.
The agency’s Director-General, Mr. Saleh Abubakar, made the call during a high-level advocacy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State in Dutse, the state capital, on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
He said community ownership is vital to safeguard projects and reduce vandalism incidents affecting NAGGW’s investments across Northern Nigeria.
Abubakar explained that the visit aimed to promote collaboration, awareness, and support for the agency’s activities within the state.
The agency operates in 11 northern states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.
He stressed that, in rural areas, people rely on natural resources, making it crucial to advocate for human capital development and resource diversification.
Abubakar warned that unchecked desertification, land degradation, and climate change could ruin livelihoods, destroy habitats, and trigger conflict or forced migration.
“Human misuse drives land degradation, but through behaviour change and action, communities can reverse the damage,” the DG stated.
He said the visit was designed to raise awareness and encourage communities to protect NAGGW projects by treating them as their own.
He listed agency services, including degraded land restoration, afforestation, and alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on natural resources and boost rural economies.
Abubakar also highlighted efforts in promoting alternative energy, managing water resources, supporting irrigation, and conducting awareness campaigns across the 11 states.
He urged the governor to help protect current investments, replicate the awareness drive, and identify communities needing immediate NAGGW interventions.
Namadi, represented by Jigawa Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nura Ibrahim, praised the DG’s visit and appreciated the state being chosen for the first advocacy effort.
Namadi promised to sensitise residents on project protection and urged NAGGW to involve locals in project implementation for better outcomes.
He said local participation would enhance a sense of responsibility and encourage communities to protect projects in their areas.
“The vandalism of NAGGW facilities causes economic loss and hampers the sustainability of development efforts,” the governor warned.
He added the consequences affect not just communities but the nation as a whole.
“We will ensure our people recognise the projects as theirs and take collective responsibility for their protection,” Namadi assured.
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir