Nigeria Partners with UK’s Zander Corporation to Combat Desertification, Secures £250,000 for Afforestation
In a major step towards tackling desertification and promoting afforestation, Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom’s Zander Corporation, securing a £250,000 donation in cutting-edge afforestation technology. This initiative aims to restore degraded lands, enhance agriculture, and improve environmental sustainability across key northern states.
The partnership was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), who highlighted the collaboration’s potential in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
“As part of the collaboration, Zander Corporation has donated £250,000 worth of afforestation technology products to Nigeria,” Nkwocha confirmed in an official statement.
Innovative Technologies to Drive Agricultural Transformation
During a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima met with the leadership of Zander Corporation, including Lord Raymond Benedict Asquith, the 3rd Earl of Oxford and Asquith OBE. He emphasized the role of advanced technology in fighting desertification and improving agricultural productivity.
“There is a critical intersection between innovative technology and our efforts to combat desertification while ensuring agricultural transformation in Nigeria,” Shettima stated.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to afforestation and sustainable land use, welcoming partnerships that introduce modern and efficient solutions for land restoration.
Pilot Project to Kick Off in Three Northern States
As part of the initiative, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) is set to oversee the implementation of Zander Corporation’s technology. Saleh Abubakar, the agency’s Director-General, confirmed that a pilot project has already been launched in Katsina, Borno, and Sokoto States, with five hectares of land prepared for initial deployment.
“We have established a dedicated committee to ensure the smooth implementation of these technologies. Our pilot programme has shown promising results in enhancing land resilience, and we are committed to expanding the initiative to directly benefit communities affected by desertification,” Abubakar stated.
Vice President Shettima further stressed the importance of maximizing the impact of the pilot project by incorporating vegetable production and high-value tree crops like cashew, which have strong international demand.
“This is a unique opportunity for Nigeria. I want to assure you of the federal government’s full support in driving this initiative. Sokoto State has already shown strong commitment, and I believe Borno and Katsina will also embrace this vision,” Shettima added.
Strengthening the Ecology-Economy Connection
Highlighting the link between environmental sustainability and economic development, Shettima described Zander Corporation’s afforestation technology as a game-changer for Northern Nigeria.
“There is a strong connection between ecology and the economy in the northern region. The innovative technology provided by Zander Corporation could be our saving grace in restoring land and securing livelihoods,” he noted.
The federal government reaffirmed its long-term dedication to afforestation, recognizing it as a key strategy to combat desertification, mitigate climate change, and ensure sustainable land use.
Zander Corporation’s Proven Desert Solutions
Speaking on behalf of Zander Corporation, Lord Oxford emphasized the effectiveness of the company’s technology in arid and desert-prone regions, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Libya, and Southern Spain.
“Our solutions have significantly lowered irrigation costs and improved sustainable vegetation growth in desert environments. We see Nigeria as a prime location for our work and believe the country is ready for the kind of results we have achieved elsewhere,” he stated.
Beyond deploying its afforestation technology, Zander Corporation is also considering setting up local manufacturing operations in Nigeria, which would help reduce costs, create jobs, and boost the agricultural sector’s resilience.
“Nigeria’s vast land resources provide a huge opportunity for investment in afforestation, sustainable agriculture, and economic development. Our 12-year presence in the country reflects our commitment to deploying innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and drive economic growth,” Lord Oxford added.
To demonstrate the impact of its technology, Zander Corporation has donated its products for deployment in multiple northern states, aiming to showcase their effectiveness in combating desertification, improving soil health, and increasing agricultural yields.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s partnership with Zander Corporation marks a major milestone in the country’s fight against desertification. With advanced afforestation technology, strategic government support, and international collaboration, this initiative has the potential to transform Nigeria’s landscape, boost food security, and create a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
