FIC Report (Benue State) – The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing climate change and land degradation through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, aimed at strengthening the nation’s capacity for environmental sustainability.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, on Thursday, 5th June, 2025, during the ACReSAL Project Hybrid Implementation Support Mission and Strategic Validation of the Catchment Management Plans held at Palm Gardens Hotel, Makurdi.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, Professor Utsev emphasized that the documents undergoing validation were not merely technical reports but vital roadmaps for achieving integrated, community-driven natural resource management across semi-arid landscapes in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Dr. Abdulhamid Umar, highlighted the significance of the validation exercise in developing a structured plan and ensuring effective coordination for the successful delivery of the project’s objectives.
In her remarks, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Task Team Leader and Senior Environmental Specialist with the World Bank, noted that the validated plans would guide future investments and policy formulation. She stressed that the process would enhance resilience, improve cost-effectiveness, and promote the sustainable management of land, water, and environmental resources.
Delivering a presentation, Professor Taiye Adewuyi revealed that the Strategic Catchment Management Plan covers Wase-Taraba, Shemankar, and Ngada West, spanning Katsina-Ala, Nasarawa, Taraba, Plateau, and Benue States.
Professor Utsev urged all relevant stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the validated plans, stressing their importance in improving resilience and livelihoods within the target areas. He also advocated for the development of a comprehensive master plan for underground water management and the adoption of real-time monitoring systems to prevent potential environmental disasters.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
For: Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
