Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, 20th September, 2023.
The Kebbi State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has taken a significant step forward with the inauguration of the Birnin Kebbi Local Government Project Management Committee (LGPMC). The inauguration ceremony, held at the Birnin Kebbi local government’s auditorium. It was attended by key Birnin Kebbi local government officials and the ACReSAL project’s leadership team.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Birnin Kebbi Local Government, represented by the Secretary of Birnin Kebbi Local Government, expressed a warm welcome to the State Project Coordinator (SPC) ACReSAL and his team. He underscored the importance of the occasion as it marks the formal integration of the local government into the ACReSAL project.
The State Project Coordinator (SPC), Ahmad Isa-Tela, highlighted the crucial role of Local Government Authorities as key stakeholders in the ACReSAL project. Stressing that ACReSAL is fundamentally a community-driven initiative, the SPC emphasized the significance of involving local government entities, as they are the closest form of government to the communities. The SPC also reiterated that the World Bank and the National Office have recognized the pivotal role of Local Governments in the successful implementation of the project. The LGPMC is expected to collaborate closely with the State Committee and adhere to the Project Implementation Manual (PIM), which outlines roles and responsibilities.
Providing context on the ACReSAL project, the SPC explained that it represents Phase 2 of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), with Kebbi State absent in the first phase but a key participant in the second phase ACReSAL. The project, designed for semi-arid regions, spans 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Northern Nigeria.
The project, funded through a World Bank loan through the Federal to the State government; is a grant to the communities. It will span six years, with the first year already spent on project planning in the state. The budget for the 20 participating states is $700 million, with allocation based on project performance. The ACReSAL project is under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the State Ministry of Environment with the Steering Committee chaired by the Commissioner of Environment and co-chaired by the Commissioners of Agriculture and Water Resources.
The ACReSAL Project takes a comprehensive approach to address a range of critical issues, including environmental concerns, water resource management, agriculture, and climate change resilience in Kebbi State. The State Project Coordinator (SPC), Ahmed Isa-Tela, highlighted the multifaceted nature of the project, which consists of three key components. Component one focuses on climate change. Component two emphasizes on agriculture, including farmer sensitization on climate change impacts and strategies, the provision of high-quality seeds, and the promotion of efficient irrigation techniques to enhance agricultural productivity. Component three is dedicated to institutional strengthening, reinforcing government systems to ensure the long-term sustainability of project outcomes. This integrated approach aims to foster resilience, sustainability.
Following the inauguration, stakeholders’ engagement meetings will follow to engage in discussions to chart the course for the project’s implementation in the local government.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (M&E) of the ACReSAL Malam Armiya’u Ladan took the members of the Local Government Project Management Committee through their roles and responsibilities. It includes participation in routine monitoring and reporting exercises, report writing, supporting environmental safeguard, security management, community support, participation in trainings organised by the Project Management Unit (PMU) and supervisions among others.
The newly appointed committee members are as follows:
• Alhaji Yau Ahmed – Chairman BK LGPMC
• Zayyanu Gado – Desk Officer/Secretary
• Rilwanu Sani – Technical Officer Environment
• Abdullahi Muhammed – Technical Officer Agric
• Bello AS Sarki – Technical Officer Water Resources
• Aminu Abdullahi – Social Officer
• Usman Umar – Finance Officer
• Hanafi S. Ubandoma – District Head
In his remarks, the Chairman of the newly inaugrated Birnin Kebbi Local Government Project Management Committee expressed enthusiasm for their participation in the ACReSAL project. He assured that the committee would work diligently to achieve the project’s objectives.
The SPC encouraged committee members to refer to the Project Implementation Manual to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s concepts and terminology. He extended gratitude to the Chairman and his team for their commitment to the ACReSAL project.
The Chairman of Birnin Kebbi Local Government reiterated the commitment of both the committee and the local government to excel in the project’s implementation.
Signed.
SPC ACReSAL Kebbi
For media inquiries, please contact:
Awwal Hassan Wara
08167918082
Communications Officer
Kebbi ACReSAL Project