Abuja: The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing Nigerian women at the forefront of climate action through the Green Women Platform (GWP). Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, highlighted this initiative during the Validation Workshop of the Green Women Platform in Abuja on Tuesday. The theme of the workshop was ‘Ensuring Women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for successful Great Green Wall Initiative implementation’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the GWP is a flagship initiative designed to drive women-led environmental restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods across the country. Lawal, represented by Mrs. Agnes Aneke, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, emphasized that the platform would empower Nigerian women to take charge of solutions affecting their communities.
“This moment is significant for Nigeria and the Pan-African Great Green Wall initiative, as we move from concept to action in ensuring that women are placed at the centre of environmental restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable development,” Lawal stated. The platform will enable women to participate in governance and access economic opportunities in reforestation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green enterprises.
The minister further noted that Nigeria has been a leader within the Great Green Wall initiative, focusing on land restoration and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The Green Women Platform aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 13 on climate action. “By doing so, we are affirming that Nigerian women are not simply victims of climate change, but leaders of climate solutions,” he added.
Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, remarked that women bear the most significant burden of environmental degradation but are also potent agents of resilience and adaptation. Represented by Aneke, Kambari emphasized that the Green Women Platform aligns with the Pan-African Great Green Wall’s vision by mainstreaming gender equality.
“This workshop will validate the structural framework, adopt a national governance arrangement, and agree on a two-year action plan for the Green Women Platform,” said Kambari. The outcomes aim to empower women as beneficiaries and full partners in decision-making and implementation.
Mr. Almoustapha Garba, Executive-Secretary of the Pan-African Agency of the Great Green Wall, commended the Nigerian government for its efforts in implementing the initiative. He highlighted the need for the platform to guide and represent women who lack access to decision-making spheres.
Mr. Saleh Abubakar, Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), reaffirmed that Nigerian women are custodians of the land and agents of transformation. “We may establish a strong and inclusive platform that empowers Nigerian women to build resilience, restore degraded lands, and foster sustainable livelihoods,” he concluded.