The North East Development Commission has strengthened partnerships with environmental and security organisations to address desertification and safeguard development projects in Yobe.

The collaboration followed separate courtesy visits by the Sahara Restoration Drive Project and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to the NEDC office in Damaturu on Thursday.

Speaking during the visit, the SRDP project coordinator in Yobe, Muhammad Musa, said the initiative was committed to restoring degraded lands and improving livelihoods in vulnerable communities.

Mr Musa said the project was promoting tree-planting campaigns, environmental awareness, and climate-smart actions to reduce the effects of desert encroachment in communities across the state.

He said many rural dwellers, especially farmers and herders, were already facing challenges linked to environmental degradation and changing weather conditions.

“Community participation remains critical in achieving ecological sustainability and ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier environment,” he said.

Responding, the NEDC state coordinator, Ali Abbas, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting programmes aimed at environmental sustainability.

Mr Abbas said collaboration among development partners was necessary to address environmental challenges affecting communities in Yobe and the wider North-east region.

He said restoring the environment would not only improve agricultural productivity but also enhance the living conditions of the affected residents.

In another engagement, the NSCDC Yobe command pledged stronger cooperation with the commission to ensure the protection of government assets and development projects across the state.

The acting commandant of the corps in the state, Bala Disa, assured the commission of the corps’ readiness to provide security support for the smooth execution of projects.

Mr Disa said protecting public infrastructure was essential to ensuring that development interventions reached intended beneficiaries without disruption.

(NAN)