The Federal Government and World Bank have reiterated commitment to implement West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Management Programme, to improve livelihoods of coastal communities in the country.
The Minister of Environment, Mr Muhammed Abdullahi, made the commitment at a two-day National Stakeholders’ Technical Committee Meeting on WACA programme in Abuja on Thursday.
Abdulahi, represented by the Director, Environmental Impact Assessment in the ministry, Mr Abbas Suileman, said the effort would reduce the vulnerability of coastal areas.
According to him, the programme will also promote climate-resilient integrated coastal management, within the framework of sustainable environmental management.
“The benefits of the WACA are quite immense; the WACA will help Nigeria obtain financing and expertise to sustainably manage her coastal areas, enhance industrial competitiveness, market access, innovation and investment promotion.
“It will also promote productive employment for rural communities and entrepreneurship development, sustainable energy and environmental management.
“The Federal Government is desirous of witnessing verifiable milestone achievements to showcase under the implementation of the WACA,’’ he said.
The minister said the implementation of the programme was delayed due to some technical issues, including funds for technical studies which were prerequisites for Multi-Sectoral Investment and outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.