Kaduna Acresal

08/09/2026

FG hails Bauchi’s performance on ACReSAL, sets stage for more funding

By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi

The Federal Government has described the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project as a “performing project,” a rating that has paved the way for additional financing to scale up activities in 19 northern states and the FCT.

Speaking on Monday at the Hybrid Additional Financing Pre-Appraisal Mission meeting in Bauchi, National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Mr. Abdulhameed Umar, said the Federal Project Management Unit chose Bauchi to host the meeting because of the state’s strong performance.

He said the World Bank’s positive assessment triggered the pre-appraisal process for more funding.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, I bring greetings from the Ministers of Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, and Water Resources and Sanitation,” Umar said.

“Acccording to him, the Federal Government has marked ACReSAL as a performing project, and that is why the World Bank is providing additional funding.

Umar ranked Bauchi among the best-performing states under the project.
“Bauchi happens to be one of our best-performing states as far as ACReSAL is concerned. We didn’t find it difficult to come to Bauchi because ACReSAL is actually being implemented and delivering results here,” he said.

He also commended the state government for its hospitality and the governor’s personal commitment to the project since the delegation arrived on Sunday.

Also speaking, the Task-Team Lead of ACReSAL, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, praised the Bauchi State Governor for his leadership and understanding of donor-funded programmes, and asked the Deputy Governor to convey the project’s appreciation.

“His Excellency is one of the governors that we appreciate under the project,” Dr. Agene said.

“He is one of the leading governors under ACReSAL who understands donor funding and the required support.” She added.

The Task-Team Lead applauded the presence of Governor Bala Mohammed who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Auwal Muhammad Jatau, commissioners, the Chief of Staff, and the Head of Service at the event.

She also thanked all 19 states, the FCT and project coordinators for delivering results on the ground.
“You are the boots on the ground. I can attest that you have done well. Otherwise, there would not be any additional finance,” she stated.

Dr. Agene noted that ACReSAL is unique for having three Task-Team Leads, which has helped drive delivery. Recalling the project launch in Bauchi in May 2023, she added:
“Today in September 2026, I can attest that Bauchi State listened and delivered on the objectives of ACReSAL. Congratulations, Bauchi.”

She said the push for additional financing at mid-term, following a review in Lagos in May/June, reflects strong performance, and challenged Bauchi to do even better under the new funding window.

ACReSAL is a World Bank programme focused on landscape restoration, climate resilience and improved livelihoods in semi-arid areas. The pre-appraisal mission will review performance and set the groundwork for releasing additional funds to expand interventions.

08/09/2026

Bauchi Hosts ACReSAL’s Additional Financing Mission As Governor Bala Pledges Climate-Smart Push

By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has pledged to scale up climate-resilient agriculture and restore degraded lands as it hosted a Hybrid Additional Financing Pre-Appraisal Mission of the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project on Monday at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre.

Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, said the engagement was more than a funding discussion.

“It is a sounding call to strengthen our partnership with the World Bank and other global initiatives towards solving multi-dimensional climate change issues, particularly across hard-to-reach communities,” Jatau told stakeholders, development partners and project teams.

The Deputy Governor said the proposed additional financing will target agro-climatic resilience. Key areas include the restoration of over 9,000 hectares of degraded land, institutional strengthening of the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources, and expanded support to vulnerable communities through youth engagement and revolving fund schemes.

He added that the state will also deploy 100 all-terrain vehicles for agricultural extension services, establish new field offices, and procure equipment for erosion control and land restoration.

“This is about giving our rural people the tools to testify about the impact of these projects on their well-being,” Jatau stated.

The Federal Government also commended Bauchi’s performance under ACReSAL - Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes. National Project Coordinator, Mr. Abdulhameed Umar, described the project as “performing,” a rating he said triggered the move for additional funding across 19 northern states and the FCT.

“Bauchi happens to be one of our best-performing states as far as ACReSAL is concerned. We didn’t find it difficult to come to Bauchi because ACReSAL is actually being implemented and delivering results here,” Umar said. He conveyed greetings from the Ministers of Environment, Agriculture and Water Resources.

Task Team Lead of ACReSAL, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene also praised Governor Mohammed’s leadership.

“His Excellency is one of the leading governors under ACReSAL who understands donor funding and the required support,” she said, and urged the state to improve further under the new funding window.

ACReSAL, launched in Bauchi in May 2023, focuses on landscape restoration, climate resilience and improved livelihoods in semi-arid areas.

Dr. Agene said the push for additional financing at mid-term, following a review in Lagos in May/June, reflects strong performance by participating states.

Officials said the mission will review the scope of the additional financing and assess implementation arrangements ahead of final World Bank approval. Jatau assured partners of the state’s political will and counterpart funding to ensure timely delivery, as technical sessions on project design, safeguards and community engagement continue this week.

08/09/2026

03/09/2026

Kaduna ACReSAL Commences Payment of Compensation at the Kawo Flood Control Construction Corridor.

The Kaduna State Government, through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, has commenced the payment of compensation to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) along the Kawo Flood Control Project in Kaduna North Local Government Area.

The event was witnessed by the District Head of Kawo, Alhaji Jibrin Muhammad Magaji (Dan Makwayan Zazzau), Members of the Resettlement Implementation Committee(RIC), the Chairman of the Kawo Development Association, Alhaji Shehu Dantudu and other distinguished personalities from the Kawo Community

Speaking during the exercise, the Project Coordinator described the commencement of payment as a significant milestone in the administration of H.E Governor Uba Sani’s effort to address the persistent challenges of flooding in the State

She emphasised that the intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental resilience and the protection of vulnerable communities, while ensuring that Project Affected Persons are fairly compensated before construction activities commence.

The District Head commended the State Government and ACReSAL for prioritising the welfare of affected residents, describing the payment as a demonstration of fairness, compassion and respect for human dignity.

Similarly, Mal Muntaka Bilbis spoke on behalf on the Project Affected Persons. He thanked all Stakeholders for their determination and resolve to achieve this great milestone.

The 3.8 -kilometre flood control intervention is expected to significantly reduce flood risks, control erosion, protect homes and public infrastructure, and safeguard livelihoods in Kawo and surrounding communities.

21/08/2026

Kaduna ACReSAL, IAR Partner to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture

The Kaduna State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has strengthened its collaboration with the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to promote Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), strengthen agribusiness and improve farmers’ productivity across the state.

The partnership focuses on implementing CSA practices across targeted watersheds, including Kudan, Kubau, Lere, Zaria, Sakadadi, Kafanchan and Giwa. Key activities include establishing demonstration sites, training selected farmers on modern farming technologies, improved seed production, marketing and sustainable agricultural practices.

As part of the initiative, IAR and Kaduna ACReSAL distributed improved cowpea seeds to farmers to encourage the adoption of climate-smart farming methods, improve yields and strengthen agricultural enterprises.

Speaking during the engagement, Kaduna ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Hadiza I. Halid, Esq., appreciated IAR for providing the improved seeds and technical support. She noted that both institutions share common objectives in agricultural development, community empowerment, food security, improved productivity and climate resilience.

She also highlighted the commitment of the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, CON, to transforming agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods through increased access to farm inputs and opportunities for youth and women.

Dr. Hauwa Omeiza Ahmad of IAR said the collaboration would increase agricultural production, promote diversification and strengthen value-chain development. She disclosed that IAR currently operates 20 demonstration farms across different communities, with encouraging results.

The team also visited Dakace Youth Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Zaria to interact with beneficiaries, assess ongoing activities and identify farmers’ challenges.

The initiative is expected to strengthen climate-resilient farming, create employment and promote sustainable agribusiness across Kaduna State.