In a historic step toward combating climate challenges in Northern Nigeria, the Federal Government, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and the 19 Northern states have endorsed the $700 million Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, funded by the World Bank. The initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable land and water management, achieved a significant milestone with the endorsement and validation of the Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMP).
The Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, was among the key figures at the endorsement event held in Abuja. The gathering focused on the Hadejia Jama’are catchment area, spanning Jigawa and Bauchi states, where stakeholders reviewed the project's progress in environmental restoration and community engagement.
Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, described the project as the most comprehensive of its kind in Nigeria. He emphasized its alignment with community needs, saying, “This is the largest and most comprehensive project of its kind in Nigeria.”
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, hailed the project as a paradigm shift in Nigeria's environmental management. “This is the first time the Government of Nigeria is developing Strategic Catchment Management Plans of this magnitude, transcending state boundaries to protect our shared resources,” he remarked.
Similarly, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the plan's scientific and community-driven approach. He detailed its focus on watershed protection, water quality enhancement, and habitat restoration, underscoring its importance for long-term sustainability. “We must unite as champions for our environment, our economy, and the future of our communities,” Utsev urged.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, also highlighted ACReSAL's transformative impact on agriculture, noting its role in reclaiming degraded lands and equipping farmers with climate-smart tools. He stated, “The project has helped thousands of farmers adopt techniques like agroforestry and drought-resistant crop cultivation, enhancing agricultural productivity despite climate challenges.”
Representing the Northern Governors’ Forum, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya commended the SCMP's role in tackling water scarcity, drought, and land degradation. Despite the challenges posed by desertification, Yahaya emphasized the potential for year-round agricultural production in the region through the effective implementation of the plan.
He also highlighted Gombe State's success in afforestation under its ‘Gombe Goes Green’ initiative, which has planted over four million trees in four years with support from ACReSAL. Yahaya, speaking on behalf of the northern governors, officially validated the Strategic Catchment Management Plan, pledging full support for its implementation across the participating states.
This endorsement sets the stage for the ACReSAL project to achieve its ambitious goals, ensuring sustainable environmental management and improving livelihoods across Northern Nigeria.
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