ABUJA, NIGERIA– Following the successful conclusion of the ACReSAL Mid-Term Review (MTR) on April 22nd, the National Project Coordinator, Abdulhamid Umar, has officially disclosed that the initiative is now recognized as one of the best-performing projects within the World Bank portfolio worldwide.
This global ranking is underscored by the project’s extraordinary achievements: within just four years, ACReSAL has placed 922,717.86 hectares of degraded land under restoration and reached over 9 million beneficiaries—shattering the initial six-year target of 3.4 million beneficiaries. These milestones were highlighted during a high-level courtesy visit by the Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Dr. Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, to the ACReSAL National Office.
During the engagement, Umar emphasized that the MTR’s conclusion marks a strategic pivot toward institutional ownership and sustainability. He noted that the longevity of these achievements relies heavily on institutions like the NIWRMC, especially regarding the implementation of 20 Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMPs).
The National Project Coordinator further advocated for a national Open Data System, urging all MDAs with related roles to converge their data frameworks for the national interest. As a loan-funded project, Mr. Umar stressed that ACReSAL must meticulously capture and document its direct impact. He announced that project teams will be working directly within the MDAs to document how technical support and ICT equipment have specifically enhanced the efficiency and daily workflows of government officials.
In his response, the Executive Director of the NIWRMC, Dr. Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, expressed profound appreciation for the confidence placed in the Commission to drive the implementation and sustainability of the 20 Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMPs).
He affirmed the Commission’s total readiness to work with related agencies, leveraging its capacity to ensure that data management is swift, seamless, and accessible. Dr. Aminu-Zaria noted that the Commission is already ensuring these plans are implemented to protect massive project investments and to serve as a roadmap for sustainable natural resource management in Nigeria.
Demonstrating a commitment to national Water Resources Management, Dr. Aminu-Zaria called for the expansion of Strategic Catchment Management studies to Southern Nigeria, stating that “water has no boundary.” He revealed that the NIWRMC is in the process of signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various MDAs to resolve conflicting roles, proving that government agencies can coexist and execute effectively for the progress of the nation. He concluded by calling for continued capacity enhancement to ensure the vision of a data-driven, climate-resilient Nigeria remains a reality for all citizens.
Jane Ozuruoke, mnipr
Head, Communication and Public Relations
ACReSAL, National Office, Abuja
