Nigeria's rangelands threatened by degradation and desertification, minister warns

Nigeria's vast rangelands, covering 650,000 square kilometers primarily in the northern states, are under increasing threat from degradation and desertification, according to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.

Speaking at Nigeria's commemoration of World Desertification and Drought Day, Lawal, represented by Etim William, Director of the Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought Management Department, stressed the urgent need for action. He called for the restoration of degraded landscapes and enhanced resilience to drought and climate change. The minister noted that rangeland degradation undermines food security, increases the vulnerability of rural communities, and damages the social and economic fabric of affected regions.

"Rangelands cover 650,000 square kilometres, largely in the northern states. They support most of Nigeria’s livestock sector; they are central to pastoral livelihoods, food security and rural economies," Lawal stated. He emphasized that a significant portion of these vital areas has already been degraded, despite their critical importance to the economy and the livelihoods of millions.

The degradation of rangelands is closely linked to Nigeria's persistent farmer-herder conflicts, partly driven by shrinking grazing areas, climate change, and drought. The United Nations' designation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists offers an opportunity to highlight these challenges. Lawal urged that rangelands be recognized not as "empty or unused lands" but as productive ecosystems supporting communities, economies, and cultures, advocating for greater recognition of pastoral communities and the integration of indigenous knowledge in restoration efforts.

The government has committed to reversing land degradation and strengthening resilience against drought through scaled-up programs focused on ecosystem restoration, afforestation, and reforestation.

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Rangelands cover 650,000 square kilometres, largely in the northern states. They support most of Nigeria’s livestock sector; they are central to pastoral livelihoods, food security and rural economies.