By Abdullahi Lukman
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has launched its pre-midterm review, evaluating the progress of efforts aimed at restoring and improving ecosystems across 19 states in Nigeria.
The review, which began on December 8, 2025, in Jos, is focused on assessing the project’s success in regenerating degraded landscapes, improving water resources, and enhancing biodiversity in the country’s semi-arid regions.
Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, Chairman of State Coordinators for
ACReSAL, emphasized that the project’s primary goal is to restore ecosystems and strengthen resilience against climate change.
“This review is critical in determining the impact of our efforts on the environment, especially in addressing land degradation and improving natural habitats for both wildlife and communities,” he said.
The project, which started three years ago, is set to span six years, with a focus on land restoration and sustainable environmental management practices.
ACReSAL’s objectives include the restoration of
degraded landscapes, the improvement of water quality, and the management of watersheds, all of which contribute to the rehabilitation of vital ecosystems.
Dr. Kabir noted that pre-midterm reviews are standard procedure for World Bank-funded projects, allowing stakeholders to assess whether environmental targets in the participating states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been met.
The project has already spent 70% of its $700 million funding, aimed at improving agricultural productivity, strengthening ecosystems, and creating green jobs.
These efforts are designed to benefit both the natural environment and local communities, creating more sustainable landscapes and livelihoods.
In Plateau State, the ACReSAL initiative has already made significant strides in enhancing local ecosystems.
Project Coordinator Garba Gonkol highlighted the success of restoration efforts, which have brought about improvements in soil health, water resources, and agricultural systems.
Mr. Peter Gwom, the Plateau Commissioner for Environment, also pointed to the project’s positive impact on local ecosystems, including the revitalization of watershed areas and the restoration of land previously impacted by overuse.
“The ACReSAL project has helped restore vital ecosystems, which in turn strengthens the environment for both local communities and wildlife,” said Gwom, noting that these efforts align with Plateau State’s broader environmental goals of building a greener, more sustainable future.
The pre-midterm review, which runs through December 13, will assess how well the project has met its environmental restoration goals and identify areas where further intervention is needed.
As part of its broader objectives, ACReSAL aims to create more resilient ecosystems that can withstand the pressures of climate change, land degradation, and human activity.
