The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening climate resilience nationwide through the implementation of the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, made this known at the ongoing mid-term review meeting of the project’s Steering Technical Committee in Kaduna.

Utsev said the initiative remains central to Nigeria’s efforts to address climate-related challenges such as flooding, land degradation and water scarcity.

He noted that the ministry, through agencies like the River Basin Development Authorities and Hydrological Services, would continue to play a key role in watershed management, flood forecasting, early warning systems and sustainable water infrastructure.

According to him, the mid-term review provides an opportunity to evaluate progress, identify operational gaps, and refine strategies to enhance the project’s impact.

Utsev also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to effectively integrate climate adaptation measures with water resource management.

He outlined priority areas including improved landscape management, increased access to hydrological and climate data for planning, and ensuring the sustainability of project interventions.

Also speaking, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the project was already delivering measurable benefits but stressed the need for legislative backing to sustain its gains.

He urged state governments to enact laws that would guarantee the continuity of ACReSAL interventions beyond the lifespan of the programme.

The meeting featured contributions from representatives of Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, and the World Bank Technical Team Lead for ACReSAL, Joy Agene.

The ACReSAL project, supported by the World Bank, targets environmental challenges in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions, particularly in the northern part of the country where desertification and erratic rainfall continue to threaten livelihoods.

Officials say sustained investment in such initiatives will be critical to improving agricultural productivity, protecting water resources, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities amid increasing climate shocks.