The Nigerian government, in partnership with 19 northern states, has approved the $700 million Agro-Climatic Resilience in the Semi-Arid Landscapes project funded by the World Bank. This initiative aims to tackle climate challenges and promote sustainable land and water management. The recent validation of the strategic catchment management plans is a significant step in this six-year project, focusing on the Hadejia Jama’are catchment area spanning Jigawa and Bauchi states.
During a stakeholders’ session in Abuja, progress across the participating states was highlighted, emphasizing environmental restoration and community engagement. The National Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, Abdulhamid Umar, praised the progress made in addressing catchment management challenges across the 19 participating states.
Various government officials, including the Minister of Environment and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, expressed pride in the project’s achievements and emphasized its positive impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation highlighted the scientific and community-driven foundation of the Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMP) and urged stakeholders to support the initiative.
The Gombe State Governor, representing the Northern Governors’ Forum, praised the SCMP for addressing critical environmental challenges and emphasized the project’s contribution to creating a healthy environment. He shared the success of Gombe State in planting millions of trees through the Gombe Goes Green program with ACReSAL’s support.
Overall, the project’s validation and acceptance by the northern states mark a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance agricultural sustainability and environmental resilience in Nigeria.