FG Reports Major Progress on ACReSAL Project, Advocates for Long-Term Sustainability Beyond Donor Funding

From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The Federal Government has achieved significant progress in implementing the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, with thousands of beneficiaries already benefiting from positive impacts.

The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, announced this during the mid-term review of the ACReSAL Project held in Kaduna State.

He stated that the project’s implementation is advancing steadily, with notable milestones in land restoration, agroforestry, afforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and livelihood support for vulnerable communities.

According to him, the mid-term review was convened to evaluate progress and ensure the project provides lasting benefits to both people and ecosystems in Northern Nigeria.

He highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown a strong interest in key environmental initiatives, including the Great Green Wall program, efforts to combat land degradation in the Niger Delta, and coastal resilience projects.

Mallam Lawal emphasized ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s coastal management strategy, particularly along the West African coastline, and underscored the urgency of tackling erosion, land loss, and other environmental issues, given Nigeria’s extensive shoreline.

Describing the mid-term review as more than a formal procedure, the Minister called it a crucial opportunity for reflection, accountability, and strategic planning.

He noted improvements in procurement processes under the project, with thousands of beneficiaries already experiencing positive impacts from various interventions.

Mallam Lawal praised state project teams, technical experts, and participating communities for their dedication, stressing that community ownership remains vital to the project’s success.

Drawing lessons from other environmental efforts such as the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoniland, the Minister underscored the importance of strong community engagement and inclusive participation to achieve sustainable results.

He reminded stakeholders that the project is at its midpoint, not the end, urging participating states and the FCT to accelerate implementation, enhance monitoring and evaluation, and utilize resources prudently for maximum impact.

Mallam Lawal called for sincerity, patriotism, and transparency during the review, encouraging stakeholders to celebrate successes and honestly address challenges to develop practical solutions.

He also expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its technical and financial support, describing the partnership as a shared commitment to building climate resilience and fighting land degradation in the Sahel region.

He noted that the second phase of the project will require stronger collaboration, innovation, transparency, and accountability to achieve its goals fully. He warned that environmental degradation and desertification cannot be postponed, urging stakeholders to take decisive action.

The Minister further stressed the importance of sustainability beyond the project’s duration, emphasizing that both federal and state governments must establish lasting institutional frameworks to maintain their gains after donor support ends. He revealed that the Federal Ministry of Environment has established a committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, to develop strategies to sustain ongoing environmental projects and ensure their continuity after donor funding ceases.

Participants at the event included the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Sanitation, a representative of the Governor of Kaduna State, Commissioners of Environment from across the country, officials of the ACReSAL Project, among others.