By Abbas Nazil
The World Bank has deployed a high-level technical mission to Yobe State to strengthen environmental and social compliance across project sites under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative.
The mission, which focuses on workplace safety, environmental safeguards, and social standards, is led by Mr. Lucky Erhaze, Senior Environmental Specialist, and Mr. Elijah Abiodun Siakpere, Senior Social Protection Specialist, both from the World Bank.
Their presence marks an important step in ensuring that ongoing investments in the state meet global best practices in sustainability and occupational safety.
During their arrival in Damaturu, the Yobe ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Shehu Alhaji Mohammed, commended the World Bank team for what he described as a timely intervention.
According to him, the technical support would not only help strengthen environmental and social compliance but also secure the project’s long-term benefits for the people of Yobe State.
He stressed that the mission would guarantee that resources channeled into the project bring safe, sustainable, and lasting outcomes.
Speaking on the purpose of their visit, Mr. Lucky Erhaze explained that the mission was designed to support the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
He emphasized that the exercise would promote occupational health and safety (OHS) practices and ensure compliance with international standards.
The team, he said, would over the course of the next few days provide hands-on technical guidance to contractors, workers, and stakeholders.
Their advice would focus on identifying occupational hazards and introducing effective measures to reduce risks, especially in sensitive areas such as construction zones and dredging operations.
The mission commenced with an inspection of the Nasarawa By-pass Flood and Gully Erosion site in Damaturu.
Other critical locations lined up for assessment include the Buni Yadi Flood and Gully Erosion Control site in Buni Yadi town, as well as the dredging activities at the Nguru Wetland.
Each of these locations was identified as vital to the ACReSAL project and also highly sensitive to environmental and safety concerns.
During discussions with stakeholders, the team placed high emphasis on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all project sites.
They reiterated that safety protocols must be observed strictly and that adherence to international OHS benchmarks was non-negotiable.
Workers, contractors, and local authorities were encouraged to adopt a culture of safety that prioritizes human life and environmental protection at every stage of project execution.
The World Bank’s technical mission represents a strategic step to enhance compliance, reduce risks, and secure the sustainability of ACReSAL interventions in Yobe State.
By strengthening environmental and social safeguards, the team hopes to ensure that projects continue to deliver meaningful benefits to communities while meeting international standards for safety and sustainability.
