The Federal Government, in collaboration with 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, is set to approve the first phase of the Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMP) under the Agroclimatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project. The formal endorsement will take place at a stakeholders’ session in Abuja on Wednesday, following months of extensive consultations in the regions.
The ACReSAL project is funded by a $700 million loan from the World Bank, aiming to enhance climate resilience in northern Nigeria over a six-year period. Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, explained that the initiative focuses on ensuring that investments are designed to meet the specific needs of each catchment area, avoiding scattered, uncoordinated development efforts.
The project’s validation session has focused on the Hadeja Jama’are catchment area, which spans Jigawa and Bauchi states. Umar emphasized the importance of catchment-based planning, stating, “Water does not recognize political boundaries,” highlighting the need for regional cohesion in managing water resources and promoting environmental sustainability.
Mahmud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, praised the initiative for its scale and ambition. He noted that this is the first time Nigeria is developing catchment management plans covering such a large landmass. Kambari further highlighted the project’s potential to set a model for similar plans across other regions of the country.
The SCMP’s pilot phase involves four states—Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, and Kano—where stakeholders met to review and authenticate the data collected during consultations with local communities. Abdulhamid Umar explained that these consultations were crucial for identifying regional priorities, such as water access for drinking or agriculture, as well as flood risks, ensuring that the plans address the unique challenges of each area.
The project is expected to directly benefit 3.4 million Nigerians, with nearly 50% of those benefiting being women. The initiative is designed to create lasting, positive impacts by improving water management, agricultural practices, and overall resilience in the face of climate change. Kambari noted that the ACReSAL project represents a critical step in Nigeria’s efforts to address its vulnerability to climate risks.
The validation of the Strategic Catchment Management Plans is set to culminate with a formal presentation to senior government officials and traditional leaders in Abuja. The six-year ACReSAL project, which began in 2022, is expected to conclude by 2028, with stakeholders hopeful that its outcomes will foster resilience, mitigate climate risks, and drive socio-economic growth in northern Nigeria.
