From David Onuoja, Abuja
Nigeria and India, are assiduously working together to address the common challenges related to desertification and land degradation at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), at the ongoing Conference of Parties 16 (UNCCD COP16), taking place at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Nigerian Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal in a bilateral discussion with his counter part from India, Bhupender Yadav, at the sidelines during the event, discussed issues related to strengthening cooperation as members of International Alliance and issues related to Energy Access and Transition.
The conference which started on Monday 2nd December, 2024 with 196 countries and the European Union representative includes the Honourable Minister of Environment, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Balarabe Lawal representing Nigeria at the event.
The UNCCD COP16 salient mission is to create awareness on global ambition and accelerate action on land and drought resilient through people centred approach.
Minister Lawal stressed the need for India and Nigeria to work as a team to address common challenges related to desertification and land degradation, ultimately contribute to a more robust and sustainable future.
On his part, Bhupender Yadav commended Environment minster, Balarabe, for his remarkable achievements in the area of combating desertification and land degradation in Nigeria and assured him of India ‘s support in tackling environmental challenges in the two countries.
Yadav emphasised that the two countries will work together to address environmental challenges confronting them.