The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project is crucial in addressing land degradation and food insecurity, among others.

Mr Lawal spoke on Thursday 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.

The minister said ACReSAL project was environmentally friendly, focusing on three issues–food security, water supply and the environment.

Mr Lawal said it was the first time Nigeria would develop a SCMP of that magnitude, starting with the Hadeija Jama’are, which was selected first with the promise to restore the Nguru wetland.

“The 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 strategic action plan is set to be developed and implemented across six Nguru/riparian states of Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Plateau and Yobe.

Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, said that water was crucial in an era defined by rapid change, climate fluctuations, population shifts or technological advancements.

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, had been direct beneficiaries of ACReSAL’s initiatives.

Muhammad Yahaya, the chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum said that SCMP played a crucial role in preventing and mitigating the effects of water scarcity, drought, and general land degradation.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa commended the ACReSAL project for its exceptional collaborative approach.

He affirmed Jigawa ‘s acceptance of the SCMP endorsed by the ministers.

According to Mr Namadi, the ACReSAL project’s success is linked to its effective leadership, which enables it to impact people’s lives positively.

(NAN)