The North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) has raised concerns over the worsening environmental degradation of the Komadugu-Yobe Basin, warning that the ecological crisis poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of millions of residents across Yobe State.
The Programme Manager of NEAZDP, Dr. Mulima Idi Mato, spoke about this during a one-day sensitization workshop on ‘Environmental Degradation on the Komadugu-Yobe Basin: Implications for Livelihoods, Ecosystem and Collective Action’ held at Bricks Point Hotel, Damaturu, on Thursday.
Dr. Mato said the basin, which stretches across the semi-arid region of Yobe State from Nguru to Yunusari over a distance of more than 200 kilometres, remains a critical source of livelihood for farmers, fishermen, livestock herders and other communities.
According to him, the ecosystem is increasingly under threat from both human activities and natural factors, necessitating urgent collective action to safeguard its future.
‘The Komadugu-Yobe Basin is the source of livelihood for millions of people in Yobe State, but today it is facing existential threats arising from environmental degradation caused by both human and natural factors,’ he said.
He explained that the workshop was organized to sensitize stakeholders on the dangers facing the basin and mobilize support for its preservation.
‘We invited stakeholders to engage them on the challenges ahead and how we can work together to protect this very important source of livelihood in Yobe State,’ he added.
The programme manager said agencies under the state Ministry of Environment were intensifying efforts to address environmental challenges across the state through awareness campaigns and community engagement.
He noted that communities, traditional rulers, farmers, fishermen and herders all have vital roles to play in protecting the ecosystem for future generations.
Dr. Mato identified siltation, encroachment, flooding and the receding nature of the river as some of the major environmental challenges affecting the basin.
‘There are a lot of changes taking place in the river system. We have problems of siltation, encroachment, flooding and the receding nature of the river. These are issues that require urgent attention from all stakeholders,’ he said.
He expressed optimism that participants at the workshop would return to their respective communities with renewed commitment towards protecting the river and promoting environmental sustainability.
In his remark, the State Commissioner Ministry of Environment, Hon. Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, said the ministry has hundreds of thousands of tree seedlings ready for planting as part of efforts to combat desertification and environmental degradation.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Maidala Baleri Bularafa, called on residents of the state to support environmental conservation efforts and avoid activities that could further degrade the basin.
‘We have hundreds of thousands of seedlings available. Once the planting season is fully established, we will commence tree planting in collaboration with the NEAZDP, which is fully prepared to support the initiative,’ he said.