To accelerate climate resilience and sustainable development in Northern Nigeria, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project is hosting a pivotal retreat in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.
The retreat, themed “Strengthening Coordination and Advancing Effective ACReSAL Implementation”, will unite Ministers, World Bank Task Team, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and representatives from Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Project Management Units, and other key stakeholders.
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Task Team Leader, ACReSAL, and Senior Environmental Specialist, Western and Central Africa Region, World Bank, during her remarks at the retreat emphasized the retreat’s objectives, including reviewing project performance.
“Policy development on integrated landscape management and institutionalizing project gains and resources will drive its sustainability”, she said.
Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator (NPC) for ACReSAL, speaking at the opening session of the retreat, said the ACReSAL Project expected to be implemented between 2022 and 2028, aims to promote sustainable landscape management practices in Northern Nigeria’s 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with implementing Ministries consisting Federal and States Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, as well as Water Resources and Sanitation.
The ACReSAL Project, a multi-sectoral and multi-institutional initiative, addresses poverty, water resources management challenges, environmental degradation, and poor agricultural productivity in Northern Nigeria.
Supported by the World Bank, the project aims to increase the implementation of sustainable landscape management practices in targeted areas in Northern Nigeria and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term climate-resilient landscape management.
The retreat which brought together key stakeholders to chart a path for effective project implementation and sustainability, will also review participating states’ work and procurement plans to ensure all activities contribute to the Project results framework.