The Federal Government in collaboration with 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, is set to validate the first phase of the Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMPs) under the Agroclimatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project.
The validation session, scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja, follows extensive consultations across participating regions and marks a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to address climate resilience challenges.
Funded by a $700 million World Bank loan, the six-year ACReSAL initiative aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change in northern Nigeria.
The project’s scope focuses on tailored investments in water management, environmental sustainability, and improved livelihoods for affected communities.
Speaking on Monday, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Abdulhamid Umar, highlighted the significance of the initiative.
“The Strategic Catchment Management Plan ensures investments are tailored to the specific needs and natural resources of each catchment area.
This strategic approach avoids scattered, uncoordinated development efforts,” he said.
The current validation session zeroes in on the Hadeja Jama’are catchment area, which spans Jigawa and Bauchi states.
Umar stressed the importance of catchment-based planning, noting that it is designed to follow natural hydrological flows rather than political boundaries.
“Water does not recognise political boundaries. To prevent conflicts between states, the catchment plans are scientifically developed, ensuring cohesion and environmental sustainability,” he explained.
The SCMP’s pilot phase involves Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, and Kano states, where stakeholders met on Monday to authenticate data collected during consultations.
“We engaged communities to determine their priorities. Is it water for drinking or agriculture? Are there flood risks? This approach ensures investments address the unique challenges of each area while improving livelihoods,” Umar stated.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, commended the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s environmental planning.
“This is the first time Nigeria is developing catchment management plans covering such a large landmass.
The structure and framework validated today will set the tone for similar plans across the remaining regions,” Kambari said.
He further lauded the project’s reliance on local expertise, with Nigerian firms like Mecon Geology and Engineering Ltd contributing to its execution.
ACReSAL, which commenced in 2022, is expected to directly benefit 3.4 million Nigerians by 2028, with women constituting 49.41 per cent of the beneficiaries.
“These are not just numbers; they represent lives transformed through sustainable development,” Kambari added.
The validation process will culminate in a formal presentation to senior government officials and traditional leaders in Abuja, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling climate challenges through science-backed and community-inclusive strategies.
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