Population explotion will worsen land degradation in the country, the Federal GGovernment warned.
Speaking at 2023 celebration of World Desertification and Drought Day in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Mr Ibrahim Yusuf said: “Land degradation is currently one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems and it is expected to worsen especially in Nigeria with increasing population unless remedial action is
taken.“
The Permanent Secretary who was represented at the ceremony by the Director Department of Drought and Desertification Management in the Ministry, Mrs Mable Okirigho-Emmanuel, said: “Land degradation affects everyone through food insecurity, higher food prices, climate change, environmental hazards and the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.”
The Permanent Secretary who noted that the theme of this year’s celebration: “Her Land Her Right: Advancing Gender Equality and Land Restoration Goals,” was apt, noted that: “Land restoration has been proposed as an important measure to reverse degradation and address the problems it causes, while Gender-responsive actions are central to effective, efficient and sustainable land-restoration projects and programmes, equitable and secure land rights for women and vulnerable groups are critical for successful land restoration.”
He said: “We cannot shy away from the fact that women have unequal and limited access over the control of land and that women hold a vital stake in the health of the land, yet they often don’t have control over land. In all parts of the world, women face significant barriers in securing land rights, limiting their ability to thrive and prosper. And when land becomes degraded and water is scarce, women are often the worst affected.”
He insisted that: “Investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity. It’s time for women and girls to be at the forefront of global land restoration and drought resilience efforts.”
He noted that: “Nigeria as country party to the UNCCD is expected to consider and domesticate decisions of the Conference of the Parties, one of which is responsible land governance and tenure rights that are gender sensitive to enhance livelihoods and well-being of women and the vulnerable groups, and encourage inclusive participation of stakeholders in sustainable land management.”
