First lady set to restore land degradation, says Minister

 

The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS), Sen. Sabi Abubakar, has said that the wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to lead the fight against land degradation towards food security.

Sen. Abdullah, who was speaking to journalists last week in Abuja, said the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, is set to lead a national program with a focus attention to regain degraded lands across the country to ensure sustainable agriculture with a renewed environment and food security.

The Minister said that "The First Lady is set to launch a national program to restore degraded lands a move that will contribute immensely to improving soil fertility, combating desertification, and ensuring sustainable food production."

Also, he lamented on land degradation, which remained one of the biggest threat to agricultural productivity in Nigeria, pointing to the millions of arable hectares that are lost to erosion, deforestation, and unsustainable land uses.

Abdullahi explained that the Ministry is already working closely with relevant agencies and partners to complement the First Lady’s efforts through the National Soil Health Initiative and the planned 774 Local Government Soil Testing Laboratories Project, which aims to enhance data-driven soil management and restore degraded farmlands.

He further noted that the First Lady’s engagement would help to mobilize national attention toward responsible land uses, tree planting, and sustainable farming systems that preserve the environment for future generations.

“Her leadership in this space sends a powerful message that every Nigerian, from policymakers to farmers, has a role to play in restoring the health of our soils and land resources,” the Minister stated.