ECNETNews Reporting from Gombe
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has rallied support from fellow governors for the initial phase of the Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP). This initiative, developed by stakeholders focused on enhancing agro-climatic resilience in semi-arid landscapes, aims to tackle pressing environmental and agricultural issues plaguing northern Nigeria.
During a recent validation event in Abuja, Governor Yahaya introduced the SCMP, emphasizing its potential to combat water scarcity, drought, and land degradation—critical challenges undermining the region’s food security and livelihoods.
“The SCMP is more than just documentation; it embodies our pledge to enact change and represents a collective call to action to safeguard our region’s future,” asserted Governor Yahaya.
The NSGF chairman reaffirmed the forum’s dedication to backing initiatives like ACReSAL that bolster environmental resilience, ensure food security, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in northern Nigeria.
“This Strategic Catchment Management Plan is essential for addressing the environmental dilemmas that threaten the sustainability of our area,” he stated, outlining a clear roadmap for executing vital projects aimed at restoring damaged landscapes, refining water management, and unlocking agricultural potential.
Governor Yahaya highlighted the pressing need to confront critical environmental issues such as desertification and unsustainable farming practices, which have been exacerbated by climate change. Despite these adversities, he acknowledged the region’s ample water resources, which, with effective irrigation systems supported by the SCMP, could facilitate continuous farming.
“We must ensure food security by empowering farmers through practical initiatives that boost productivity,” he stressed.
In showcasing Gombe State’s strides in environmental restoration, Governor Yahaya cited the “Gombe Goes Green” (3G) initiative, which has successfully planted over four million trees in five years, alongside significant advancements in gully remediation through collaborative projects.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to meet the federal government’s target of restoring four million hectares of degraded land by 2030, stating, “These initiatives are reshaping our environment and creating sustainable livelihoods for our citizens, proving that visionary planning combined with strategic action can yield remarkable outcomes.”
The governor expressed appreciation for the leadership of key figures involved in developing the SCMP during the event, which garnered unanimous support from crucial stakeholders. Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa and representatives from Bauchi and Yobe States reaffirmed their dedication to its execution.
Federal ministers, including the Minister of Environment and the Minister of State for Agriculture, provided insights into the SCMP, applauding the collaboration among federal agencies, state governments, and development partners.
The SCMP’s comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy—featuring gully stabilization, afforestation, dry land bioremediation, and sustainable landscape management—aims to serve as an effective blueprint for addressing environmental challenges and enhancing agricultural productivity throughout northern Nigeria.
