By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) has announced plans to transplant over one million tree seedlings across Yobe State in 2026, as part of a renewed effort to combat desertification and environmental degradation in the region.
Speaking in an interview with our reporter, the agency’s Programme Manager, Dr. Mulima Idi Mato, said the initiative forms a core component of NEAZDP’s broader mandate to address ecological challenges in the semi-arid zone.
According to him, preparations are already in full swing, including seed collection and pot filling.
Dr. Mato noted that sowing is expected to commence before Ramadan, with the target of raising seedlings to at least one metre in height by August,.strong enough for transplantation and resilience against environmental stress.
He added that last year alone, the agency distributed 3,000 seedlings to each of the nine local government areas within its operational zone, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to fighting desertification, a core mandate since inception.
NEAZDP is currently managing the 27-kilometre Mass-Cured Plantation along the Airport Road in Damaturu and has also contributed to the greening of the Mai Mala Buni Estate along Potiskum Road.
In a bid to strengthen international collaboration, the agency has been engaging with development partners. “Over the past year, NEAZDP has held discussions with the European Union delegation in Abuja, signalling potential collaboration in the near future,” Dr. Mato said.
In a parallel effort to address pressing livelihood challenges, NEAZDP has launched a significant food distribution programme targeting vulnerable populations across nine local government areas in Yobe’s semi-arid belt.
The initiative, revitalised with support from the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni, is aimed at cushioning the impact of hardship on marginalised groups.
Dr. Mato disclosed that at least 600 bags of millet have so far been distributed in three LGAs.
“We are committed to improving the lives of vulnerable groups in our operational areas,” he said.
“This programme, revitalised thanks to the support from the Yobe State Government, will go a long way in addressing some of the livelihood challenges they face.”
Dr. Mato added, “The head of the EU delegation in Nigeria assured us of their interest in intervening, and the state government is in communication with them. We are expecting positive feedback soon, in sha Allah.”
With its dual focus on environmental restoration and humanitarian support, NEAZDP continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and community resilience in Yobe State.
