Oluwafunbi Bello 
Chairman of State Coordinators of ACReSAL, Dr Ibrahim Kabir
JOS, Nigeria – Nigeria launches a comprehensive mid-term assessment of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project after three years of implementation nationwide.
The eight-day review opens in Jos on Monday, bringing together coordinators from 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory to evaluate progress against project objectives.
Chairman of State Coordinators, Dr Ibrahim Kabir, says the assessment measures impact on land restoration, watershed management, climate resilience and community livelihoods. “This review helps us identify gaps, address emerging realities and align the project with present challenges in agriculture, environment and water resources,” Kabir says.
The $700 million World Bank-supported initiative runs for six years, with about 70 per cent of funds already utilised, according to project officials.
Plateau State Project Coordinator, Garba Gonkol, describes the intervention as transformative for local communities, citing improved land productivity and environmental restoration.
Plateau Commissioner for Environment, Peter Gwom, says the project delivers visible benefits, including rehabilitated degraded landscapes, improved water management and enhanced farming output. “ACReSAL also creates green jobs and raises awareness on climate and environmental sustainability,” Gwom notes.
National Project Coordinator, Abdulhamid Umar, represented by Abdulaziz Abubakar, says findings from the assessment will guide the second half of implementation.
The evaluation, which runs until December 13, is expected to refine delivery strategies and strengthen Nigeria’s climate resilience agenda amid rising environmental pressures.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Juliet Jacob