By Simeon Shodimu
Stakeholders in Zamfara State have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, as the state government convened its 4th Joint Steering and Technical Committee meeting in Gusau.
The meeting, held at the Command Guest House in the state capital, brought together key government officials and development partners to review progress and chart a path forward for the environmental initiative.
Speaking at the session, the Chairman of the State Steering Committee and Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Kasimu Sani Kaura—represented by the Permanent Secretary, Habibu Guraguri Shinkafi—emphasised the strategic importance of the project in tackling land degradation and climate change.
He noted that the ACreSAL project has continued to play a critical role in restoring degraded landscapes, boosting agricultural productivity, and strengthening community resilience across benefiting areas.
According to him, the meeting provided a platform to assess ongoing efforts, improve coordination, and address pressing environmental and natural resource challenges confronting the state.
“Distinguished participants, this gathering offers us another valuable opportunity to review our progress, strengthen coordination, and collectively tackle the environmental challenges facing our state,” he said.
In separate goodwill messages, former Head of Service, Kabiru Gayari; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Garba Altine Dauran; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Garba Aliyu Gayari, stressed the need to sustain the project for future generations.
They warned that allowing the initiative to collapse would undermine the gains already recorded, noting that a solid foundation had been laid for continuity.
“We should not allow this project to die. History will not forgive us if it collapses. We remain committed to supporting its sustainability in the state,” they said.
In an interview, the State Coordinator of the ACreSAL project, Mallam Nasiruddeen Bello, explained that the meeting was convened to brief stakeholders on progress made so far and to appreciate the support of Governor Dauda Lawal in driving the project’s success.
He commended the governor’s leadership and dedication to community development, describing the administration’s support as instrumental to the achievements recorded under the initiative.
Bello added that the project has intensified community sensitisation efforts, particularly on the need for beneficiaries to take ownership and ensure the sustainability of investments in their localities.
The ACreSAL project, a World Bank-supported initiative, is designed to combat the adverse effects of climate change and land degradation in northern Nigeria, with Zamfara among the benefiting states.
