Funds stall desertification control projects in three states

Fresh facts have emerged that desertification projects in Bauchi, Jigawa and Sokoto states are being slowed down due to paucity of funds.

The Guardian learnt that out of 23 projects proposed in 2016 budget, only one project with spread in the three states was approved, as result contractors handling the execution were not mobilised to sites.

Director of Drought /Desertification Amelioration Department, Mr. Aliyu A. Bananda, who disclosed this to The Guardian said these programmes are meant to combat desertification through reforestation for climate change mitigation and sustainable land management in these states, but funds have not been released to complete the projects.

Bananda regretted that these states may not benefit from the projects, since funds have not been released.

According to him, “government should make fund available to contractors to speed up the completion of these programmes and not just tell contractors to move to sites.”

He further commended former Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed for launching the ministry to limelight, hoping that the minister of state would take up the challenge of creating awareness on Ogoniland clean up, Lake Chad, among other projects.

“The ministry of Environment is collaborating with relevant ministries for the execution of projects related to climate change. There is a gap in advocacy, stakeholders should be sensitized at the grassroot,”he added.