Our Vision
To have strong practices and policies on ecological restoration and to build a climate change-resilient community. Our Mission
To address environmental challenges arising from climate change and poor land-use practices in Niger State through innovative land protection strategies. About Niger State
Niger State was officially created on February 3, 1976, following the restructuring of the
former North-Western State during the regime of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. The state became fully operational on April 1 of the same year. Initially established with eight Local Government Areas, Niger State has since expanded to encompass twenty-five Local Government Areas. As of August 26, 1991 prior to the creation of Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas, the state covered a land area of approximately 74,244 square kilometers, representing about 8% of Nigeria’s total landmass. Following the administrative mergers, Niger State’s territory now accounts for roughly 10% of Nigeria’s total land area, with approximately 85% of this land considered arable, underscoring the state’s significant agricultural potential. Geographically, Niger State lies between latitudes 3°00' to 11°30' East and longitudes 3°00' to 11°30' North. It shares boundaries with Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the northeast and southeast respectively, Zamfara State to the north, Kebbi State to the west, Kogi State to the south, and Kwara State to the southwest. Additionally, the Republic of Benin borders the state along the Agwara Local Government Area to the northwest. Ecologically, Niger State is characterized by a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems. The state lies predominantly within the Guinea Savannah and Sudan Savannah ecological zones, featuring vast grasslands interspersed with scattered trees and shrubs. This savannah vegetation supports a rich biodiversity, including a variety of wildlife species and plant life adapted to the seasonal rainfall patterns. The Niger River which is the longest river in Nigeria, traverses the state, providing critical water resources that sustain agriculture, fisheries, and hydroelectric power generation. The presence of fertile floodplains, river valleys, and favorable climatic conditions make Niger State an important ecological and agricultural hub in the region. Additionally, the state hosts significant mineral resources and forest reserves that contribute to its environmental and economic profile. However, the State faces several ecological challenges that impact its environmental sustainability and economic development. Key issues include: Deforestation and land degradation such as loss of biodiversity and soil erosion. Above all, flooding which causes displacement, crop loss, and infrastructure damage, exacerbated by poor drainage systems and climate variability.
