By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has disbursed over N12 billion to 9,648 beneficiaries in 135 communities across 15 Northern states through the Community Revolving Fund Programme, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and enhancing climate resilience.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, announced this on Wednesday during the seventh edition of the 2025 ministerial press briefing in Abuja.
He said the funding is part of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, a multi-sectoral initiative being implemented in partnership with the World Bank.
According to Lawal, the disbursement is part of efforts to address critical climate change challenges and promote sustainable livelihoods across Nigeria’s 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“As of March 22, 2025, a total of \$8.6 million, equivalent to over N12 billion, has been disbursed to 345 communities in 15 states, reaching 9,648 beneficiaries—5,397 men and 4,251 women,” Lawal said.
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“These funds are being used to improve agricultural activities from production to processing, marketing, and storage.”
He added that the ACReSAL project has recorded major achievements, including the restoration of 178,235 hectares of degraded land and direct support to more than one million individuals, half of whom are women. Over 13 million people have indirectly benefited from the project.
In efforts to enhance forest security and tackle environmental crimes, the minister said the National Park Service has received 11 patrol vehicles and six new ranger posts constructed under the programme.
To further support farmers, Lawal disclosed that ACReSAL has distributed 245 tractors and 1,450 hand-held tillers to 56,873 farmers across participating states, along with drought-resistant seedlings, organic fertilizers, solar irrigation pumps, and other inputs to improve yields and reduce manual labour.
He also revealed a landmark partnership between ACReSAL and the National Bureau of Statistics to conduct Nigeria’s largest agricultural survey under the 50×2030 initiative.
The survey, he said, will close critical data gaps and guide future agricultural policies.
“The Federal Government remains committed to empowering rural communities and transforming agriculture into a more resilient and productive sector,” Lawal said.
