The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to strengthen climate resilience across Nigeria, renewing focus on the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project as a key response to environmental challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday by Terhemen Oraduen, media aide to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev emphasized that the initiative remains central to addressing pressing climate threats such as flooding, land degradation, and water scarcity.
Speaking during the ongoing Mid-Term Review Steering Technical Committee meeting in Kaduna, the minister called for accelerated implementation of the project to maximize its impact nationwide.
He noted that agencies under the ministry, including River Basin Development Authorities and Hydrological Services, would continue to play a critical role in watershed management, flood forecasting, and the development of sustainable water infrastructure.
Utsev described the mid-term review as a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to evaluate progress, identify existing gaps, and adjust strategies to improve outcomes.
He stressed that stronger collaboration across sectors would be essential, particularly in integrating climate adaptation efforts with water resource management.
Key priorities outlined at the meeting include enhancing integrated water and landscape management, improving access to reliable hydrological and climate data for planning and early warning systems, and ensuring that project interventions remain sustainable and scalable.
Also addressing participants, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, acknowledged the project’s growing impact on local communities but warned that long-term success would depend on institutional support.
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He urged state governments to enact legislation that would sustain ACReSAL initiatives beyond the project’s lifespan.
The meeting featured contributions from representatives of Uba Sani, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, and the World Bank Technical Team Lead for ACReSAL, Joy Agene.
Backed by the World Bank, the ACReSAL project is a flagship intervention targeting environmental challenges in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions, particularly in the northern part of the country where desertification and irregular rainfall patterns continue to threaten livelihoods.
Nigeria has in recent years faced increasing climate-related disruptions, including severe flooding and prolonged dry spells, which have impacted agricultural productivity, displaced communities, and worsened food insecurity.
Officials maintain that sustained investment in climate resilience initiatives like ACReSAL will be vital in protecting water resources, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening the adaptive capacity of vulnerable populations.