Environment Ministry Calls for Commitment to ACReSAL Guidelines to Combat Climate Change and Food Insecurity
The Federal Ministry of Environment has emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ commitment to the 2025 Workplan of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), noting that it is crucial for effectively addressing Climate Change and Food Insecurity challenges in Nigeria’s Semi-Arid region.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and one of the co-chair of the Federal Technical Committee for ACReSAL Project, Mahmud Kambari stated this in Abuja at a meeting held recently to review the achievements of the Project and its 2025 Work Plan.
Kambari highlighted that the committee stands at a pivotal moment in collective efforts to combat pressing challenges, including climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, flooding, and food insecurity in Nigeria.
He commended the World Bank for funding the ACReSAL project, which has made remarkable strides since its inception, restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing agricultural productivity, and building community resilience.
Speaking further, Kambari attributed the progress to the dedication of all stakeholders at the federal level and the 19 sub-nationals in 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.
According to him, the project has contributed immensely to the promotion of drought-resistant crops and integrated land management, aligning seamlessly with the Agric Ministry’s goals of boosting productivity while preserving natural resources.
He pledged his Ministry’s dogged commitment to leveraging insights from extension services and research institutions to refine and strengthen the project.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary for Water Resources and Sanitation/co-chair, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah reiterated that the ACReSAL project represents a critical framework for safeguarding hydrological systems in Nigeria’s semi-arid zones.
He noted that these areas face significant challenges, including diminishing water tables, poor sanitation infrastructure, and the compounding effects of climate change, lauding ACReSAL’s initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting and ecosystem restoration, which have directly improved water access in rural communities, a development he described as highly commendable.
The National Project Coordinator (NPC) of ACReSAL, Abdulhamid Umar, highlighted the project’s progress and major achievements, including testimonials from beneficiaries on the positive impact on their livelihoods, environment, farming, and economy and reported that 800,000 hectares of degraded land had been restored, benefiting 8,708,291 people, particularly women in rural communities.
Umar emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, and Water Resources and Sanitation, which have demonstrated the project’s collective strength.
According to him, the project covers 19 states in northern Nigeria, the FCT, and three implementing Ministries with their relevant agencies.
Umar noted that ACReSAL aligns with the Federal Government’s initiative to restore degraded landscapes nationwide, particularly in northern Nigeria and urged collaborating Ministries and Agencies to safeguard project interventions as well as use project vehicles judiciously for official purposes only.
