The implementation of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in the Federal Capital Territory has reached a noteworthy milestone with the establishment of the Local Government Implementation Committees (LGIC) across the Territory’s six Area Councils.
The inauguration event, held at the Rockview Hotel Abuja last Friday, saw the participation of Lawan Kolo Geidam, Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, who also serves as the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the ACReSAL Project in FCT.
The event was overseen by the National Project Coordinator (NPC) of ACReSAL, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar, and attended by the Chairmen of the six Area Councils in FCT.
In his capacity as the head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam officially inaugurated the Committees, commending ACReSAL as a praiseworthy initiative that FCT is privileged to be part of.
He highlighted the substantial benefits the FCT is poised to reap from the project, designed to promote sustainable development and community empowerment by addressing the complex issues of land degradation and climate change in Northern Nigeria.
Geidam expressed, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration views itself as exceptionally fortunate to participate in this commendable initiative, which we believe will play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing environmental challenges affecting the agricultural sector, particularly in rural communities dependent on it for their livelihoods.”
Directing his remarks to the Chairmen of the six Area Councils directly impacted by the project, Geidam encouraged them to seize this opportunity to uplift the living standards of their communities.
Concerning the Committees’ roles and responsibilities, Geidam outlined their primary objective: to instill a sense of ownership and foster community participation in project aspects at the grassroots level.
The committees are composed of Area Council Chairmen serving as heads in their respective areas, representatives from traditional institutions, and members from the Departments of Works, Agriculture, and Environment.
Additionally, facilitators, subject specialists, and relevant non-governmental organizations are integral members of these committees.
Their mandate involves overseeing the project at the local government level, serving as liaisons to the State Project Management Unit (SPMU), and providing crucial support for stakeholder analysis and identification in implementation activities.
At an earlier stage of the event, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar, the project’s National Coordinator, emphasized that the ACReSAL Project’s implementation would contribute significantly to reducing the vulnerability of millions living in extreme poverty.
He underscored the role of the Federal Project Implementation Unit (FPMU) as the national coordinating agency, providing guidance to participating states for the project’s success.
Umar revealed that a $700 million loan from the World Bank in 2021 made the ACReSAL Project operational in 2022.
Notably, accessing the funds requires state contributions, with the FCT having already contributed N334 million and encouraged to fulfill the remaining balance to meet the minimum required contribution of N500 million.
Also addressing the assembly, Mrs. Caroline Opara, the Project Coordinator for FCT ACReSAL, emphasized the pivotal role of the committees in promoting inclusivity and ensuring the effective implementation of the project.