Federal Government renews commitment to climate resilience project in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes ACReSAL project, aiming to strengthen climate resilience across the country. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and Co-Chairman of the ACReSAL Steering Committee, stated that the project is vital for addressing climate-related threats such as flooding, land degradation, and water scarcity. Speaking at the Mid-Term Review Steering Technical Committee meeting in Kaduna, Utsev emphasized the need to accelerate implementation and deepen the project's impact. He highlighted the ministry's ongoing role in watershed management, flood forecasting, early warning systems, and sustainable water infrastructure through River Basin Development Authorities and Hydrological Services. Utsev described the mid-term review as a critical opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress, identify gaps, and refine strategies, stressing that collaboration across sectors and institutions is crucial for integrating climate adaptation with water resource management. Key priorities include improving integrated water and landscape management, expanding access to hydrological and climate data, and ensuring the sustainability of interventions. Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment and Chairman of the ACReSAL Steering Committee, noted the project's measurable impact but called for long-term policy backing from states to guarantee the sustainability of ACReSAL