The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, one of the Co-chair of the Federal Technical Committee for ACReSAL Project has called on members to be committed to the guidelines of the project implementation in their 2025 work plan to combat Climate Change and Food Insecurity in Nigeria’s Semi-Arid region.
Kambari made the plea recently in Abuja at a meeting to review the achievements of the project and 2025 Work Plan.
Also, Kambari noted that the committee stands at a pivotal moment in collective efforts to combat the pressing challenges of climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, flood and food insecurity in Nigeria.
He used the forum to commend the World Bank for funding the ACReSAL project that has made remarkable strides since its inception by restoring degraded landscapes to enhancing agricultural productivity and building community resilience.
Kambari further revealed that the progress has reflected the dedication of all stakeholders at the Federal level as well as the 19 sub nationals of the northern region.
In his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security/ co-chair Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi described the project as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s quest for food security and sustainable farming practices.
Marcus further revealed that the project has really helped in promoting drought-resistant crops and integrated land management, aligning seamlessly with their ministry’s goals of boosting productivity while preserving natural resources.
He also pledged his ministry’s full support to bringing insights from their extension services and research institutions to refine and strengthen the project.
Also, in his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary of Water Resources and Sanitation/ co-Chair, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah reiterated that ACReSAL project represents a critical framework for safeguarding hydrological systems in semi-arid zones of the Country.
Richard believed that the areas grapple with diminishing water tables, poor sanitation infrastructure and the compounding effects of climate change.
He also disclosed that the Ministry has critically observed how ACReSAL’s initiatives, such as rainwater harvest and ecosystem restoration directly improve water access in the rural communities which is highly commendable.
While highlighting the progress made so far, the National Project Co-ordinator (NPC) of ACReSAL project, Abdulhamid Umar, rolled out some major achievements of the project, testimony of the beneficiaries on how the ACReSAL initiative has impacted positively into their livelihood, environment, farming and economy.
He also noted that 800,000 hectares of degraded land has been restored with 8, 708, 291 persons benefited most especially women in the rural communities.
Umar emphasized that the efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Sanitation as chairs and co-chairs has revealed the collaborative nature of the project.
In terms of coverage, the National Project Co-ordinator said that the project covers 19 states in northern Nigeria and the FCT, Abuja
He further revealed that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s initiative of restoration of the degraded landscape nationwide, indeed in northern Nigeria.
The NPC urged the participating Ministries and it’s relevant agencies to safeguard all the intervention and judicious use of the project vehicles strictly for official purpose.
Signed
Ibrahim Haruna
Director, Information
