ACReSAL emerges global climate resilience model at mid-term review in Kaduna
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has been described as a global model for climate resilience following its Mid-Term Review (MTR) mission held in Kaduna.
The high-level review, which took place at the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club from April 16 to 17, brought together federal ministers, state officials, World Bank representatives, and permanent secretaries from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The mission assessed progress on the World Bank-supported and Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at tackling desertification, restoring degraded land, and strengthening food systems across semi-arid regions.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abubakar Buba, said the project had recorded significant impact at the grassroots.
“Kaduna State has identified over 22,000 hectares for restoration and desilted 160 kilometers of drains to combat urban flooding,” the Governor said. “ACReSAL is the cornerstone of our environmental strategy, proving that visionary leadership and strategic partnerships can turn the tide against climate vulnerability.”
He added that the state’s inclusive approach under its SUSTAIN Agenda was helping to build resilience through climate-smart agriculture, revolving funds, and youth and women empowerment programmes.
The Governor also commended the World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, and National Project Coordinator, Abdulhamid Umar, for what he described as “exemplary coordination” and strong federal-state collaboration.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who chairs the Federal Steering Committee, said the review was a critical point in the project’s implementation. “This is not a ceremonial exercise; it is a moment of reckoning and an honest, structured dialogue about how far we have come and what must still be done,” he said.
