From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
As part of efforts to combat gully erosion, the Jigawa State Government, through the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, has expended over N200 billion on erosion control initiatives across the state.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Nura Ibrahim Kazaure, during the 2025 World Desertification and Drought Day commemoration held at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse.
The event was organized by the Jigawa State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Namadi, the commissioner described this year’s theme “Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities” as a timely call for citizens to reassess their relationship with nature and renew their commitment to sustainable development.
Dr. Kazaure called on the public to support government efforts in addressing climate change challenges.
He emphasized that the current administration is partnering with organizations such as ACReSAL and the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) to implement both engineering and vegetative solutions.
These include the protection of farmlands, restoration of water channels, and the safeguarding of rural infrastructure.
“Land restoration interventions include sand dune stabilization in Jahun, Miga, and Kiyawa Local Government Areas. Full erosion control works are ongoing at Kargo and Danmasara in Dutse LGA, with a total investment of over N200 billion under the ACReSAL project,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), Samaritan Adamu Sabo, reiterated the state government’s prioritization of land restoration.
He noted that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has launched numerous initiatives aimed at reversing land degradation and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Sabo revealed that JISEPA, in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, has intensified public awareness campaigns especially on plastic waste management and broader land restoration strategies.
He highlighted key interventions including the “Waste to Wealth” programme, a large-scale afforestation and reforestation campaign that saw the planting of 5.5 million trees across the 27 LGAs last year.
He added that an equal number of seedlings are currently being nurtured in nurseries across the state for this year’s planting season.
“Our focus is now shifting to drought-resistant economic and indigenous tree species not only to restore the ecosystem but also to create sustainable livelihoods for the people of Jigawa State,” Sabo added.