In an ongoing investigation, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee has shed light on the utilization of ecological funds allocated to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW). A staggering N81.2 billion was reportedly spent by the agency to plant 21 million trees across 11 states in Nigeria. These states include Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno. This comprehensive probe covers the period from 2015 to the present.
Isma’ila Dabo, Chair of the committee, expressed deep concern over the persistent environmental issues despite substantial funds invested in the program. The financial input from the federal government and international partners propelled the need for this investigation. Mr. Dabo highlighted the committee’s intention to conduct on-site assessments of the executed projects to verify their status, asserting that the objective is not to tarnish reputations but to ensure transparent usage of public funds.
“We will be forthright in holding responsible parties accountable where necessary, all in the best interest of our nation,” assured Mr. Dabo.
The committee expressed disappointment in the conflicting financial reports presented by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. The agency’s inability to substantiate many tree planting projects, compounded by an alarming 80% mortality rate of the planted trees, exacerbated these concerns.
Conversely, documents submitted by Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant General of the Federation, revealed that a total of N19.378 billion had been disbursed from the derivation and Ecology Accounts to the agency between February 2019 and the present.
Responding to inquiries from the committee, NAGGW’s Managing Director, Yusuf Bukar, clarified that the Great Green Wall Act was enacted in 2015. This legislation facilitated the agency’s implementation of the Nigerian segment of the program, aligned with the African Union’s initiative spanning 11 African nations. The program is designed to address land degradation, desertification, drought, climate change, and the welfare of impacted communities.
Mr. Bukar reported that the agency had planted one million trees across Borno, Yobe, and other states. Notably, N2.4 billion and N7.3 billion were released in the first and second phases respectively. He emphasized that the agency’s revenue streams encompassed 15% of the ecological fund for the Great Green Wall, along with contributions from the natural resources development fund, gifts, loans, grants from national bilateral and multilateral organizations, international development agencies, donors, and individuals.
Despite mentioning regular inflows from donor agencies, Mr. Bukar did not provide pertinent documentation regarding the received sums.
NAN
