ACReSAL’s SCMP Wins Endorsement from Ministers, Governors and other Stakeholders, Paving Way for Sustainable Development

Malam Balarabe Lawal Minister of Environment said that the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project is the flagship to the ministry of Environment.

Lawal said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Endorsement and Validation of the first phase of the developed Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) by ACReSAL Stakeholders.

ACReSAL is a World Bank-financed project which aims to address climate change and land degradation in Nigeria’s northern states.

He also added that ACReSAL project was equally environmental friendly addressing three issues; which is food security, water supply and the issues of environment.

“These are key to the project because its seeks to address land degradation, water shed and food security all related issues to community development

“This participatory approach ensures that our plans are not only technically sound but also socially acceptable and environmentally just,” the minister said.

Lawal noted that this was the first time the government of Nigeria will develop a Strategic Catchment Management Plan of this magnitude.

“These SCMP would also create the platform and structure into which another set of 200 micro catchment management plans from the 19 participating states and the FCT will dovetail into,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the strategic action plan is set to be developed and implemented across six Nguru/riparian states of Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Plateau and Yobe.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation noted that water is crucial in an era defined by rapid change, whether it be climate fluctuations, population shifts, or technological advancements.

“These efforts not only safeguard our environment but also support our local economy by ensuring sustainable practices that can benefit agricultural, recreational, and tourism activities.

“The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation hereby wishes to endorse this Strategic Catchment Plan of Hadejia-Jama’are with enthusiasm, and a shared determination to protect and enhance our natural heritage,” he assured.

Sen. Dr. Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security said that the 19 northern states and the FCT, home to Nigeria’s most vulnerable semi-arid regions, have been direct beneficiaries of ACReSAL’s initiatives.

“This gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, combating desertification, and fostering resilience in the face of climate change.

“Since the inception of ACReSAL, it has become a cornerstone in the ministry’s efforts to bolster the agricultural sector against climate-related challenges across communities,” Abdullahi said.

Gombe state Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya affirmed that the Strategic Catchment Management Plan is pivotal in curbing the effects of water scarcity, drought, and general land degradation.

Representing the Northern Governors Forum, where he leads as the chairman, he expressed commitment to an effective implementation of the SCMP, something he described as an “integrated plan”, as the operating framework for projects across the participating states.

On the challenges faced by the north, he said the region is still endowed with substantial water resources, including rivers, inland lakes, and dams.

“These resources have significant irrigation potential that can be harnessed for all-year-round agricultural production by our local farmers through the application of the Strategic Catchment Management Plan”, he stated.

He said with the support of ACReSAL, Gombe state has planted over 4 million trees over the past four years, through its flagship programme, ‘Gombe Goes Green’.

Mr. Inuwa Yahaya further commended the ACReSAL project for contributing to a healthy and eco-friendly environment for human habitation, through dryland management practices, which include gully stabilization, bioremediation, and afforestation activities.

Malam Umar A. Namadi, Executive Governor of Jigawa State, commended the ACReSAL Project for its exceptional collaborative approach.

The project’s focus on livelihood impact has been well-received. He affirmed Jigawa State acceptance of the Strategic Catchment Management Plan endorsed by the Honorable Ministers. According to Governor Namadi, the ACReSAL project’s success can be attributed to effective leadership, which has enabled it to positively impact the lives of the people.

ACReSAL’s Task Team Lead, said the Strategic Catchment Management Plan provides the platform for implementation of activities that will aid climate resilience.

Dr. Joy Iganya, while acknowledging that Nigeria and Africa as a whole, has suffered from challenges caused by climate change, she said the ACReSAL project is meant to provide support on how people can be resilient to climate change.

The NPC, ACReSAL, Abdulhamid Umar, expressed optimism in the significant progress made in addressing catchment management challenges across 19 participating states in the country.Umar described the validation event as a hallmark in the delivery of the ACReSAL project.

“(This event) marks the need to address issues surrounding the definition and delineation of the catchment areas by the Federal Government of Nigeria is necessary,” he said.While highlighting the extensive stakeholder engagement that has so far produced success of the project, he noted that it reflects the demands of rural dwellers.

“Stakeholders gathered for seven days in faraway Kano, where we listened attentively to the needs and demands of the catchment areas,” Umar explained.

“This effort is the largest with the highest magnitude of coverage and comprehensiveness,” he added.

Wednesday’s gathering brought together ministers, governors , representatives, traditional rulers of participating states, highlighting progress made.