26/08/2026
Nasarawa Takes Decisive Action Against Climate Change as Governor Sule Commissions ACReSAL Heavy-Duty Machinery.
Nasarawa State has taken a major leap in its fight against climate change and environmental degradation with the commissioning of a fleet of heavy-duty machinery procured under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule.
The commissioning, which brought together government officials, members of the ACReSAL State Steering and Technical Committees, stakeholders and other dignitaries, marked a significant milestone in the State’s efforts to strengthen its capacity to respond effectively to environmental emergencies and the growing impacts of climate change.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources and Chairperson of the ACReSAL State Steering Committee, Hon. Dr. Magrate Itake Elayo, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support, commitment and strategic leadership, which she said have continued to drive the success of ACReSAL and advance the State’s environmental agenda.
She noted that the effects of climate change are no longer distant threats but realities being experienced across communities, landscapes and natural ecosystems. She particularly identified human activities such as indiscriminate construction on waterways and inadequate drainage systems as major factors aggravating flooding and environmental degradation.
According to her, water will always find its natural path, stressing that when waterways are obstructed or neglected, the consequences can include flooding, destruction of property, displacement of communities and disruption of livelihoods.
The Commissioner emphasized that the fight against climate change cannot be won through isolated efforts, assuring that ACReSAL will continue to work closely with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to ensure the effective deployment, maintenance and sustainability of the newly acquired equipment.
She further stressed the importance of technical expertise and professional management in maximizing the value of the machinery and developing lasting solutions to the devastating effects of climate change across Nasarawa State.
Giving an overview of the project, the ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Dr. Elias Gyobe Napoleon, highlighted the project’s objectives, interventions and achievements since its inception in the State.
Dr. Napoleon described the level of support received from Governor Sule as exceptional, likening ACReSAL to a child that has received deliberate attention, nurturing and investment from the State Government.
He noted that the administration’s commitment has significantly strengthened the implementation of the project and contributed to positioning Nasarawa among the leading participating states in ACReSAL interventions.
“Today, I am happy because the machines are bigger than the problem on the table,” Dr. Napoleon declared, emphasizing the significance of the equipment in confronting the environmental realities facing the State.
He explained that climate change can no longer be treated as an academic expression, but as a practical reality affecting communities, livelihoods, infrastructure and the environment.
The newly acquired equipment comprises an amphibious swamp buggy, grader, bulldozer, dump truck and low-bed truck, which will strengthen the State’s operational capacity for environmental management, desilting, flood mitigation, land restoration and other critical interventions.
Dr. Napoleon described the commissioning as a defining moment in the State’s environmental response capacity, stressing that the investment represents not merely the acquisition of machines but the creation of stronger institutional capacity to confront environmental challenges with speed and effectiveness.
“The machines are ready, the ACReSAL team is ready and Nasarawa State is ready to face the environmental challenges of tomorrow,” he said.
He further called for greater responsibility in urban and rural planning, particularly the need to respect natural waterways and drainage channels, noting that changing rainfall patterns and increasing climate pressures demand a more proactive approach to environmental management.
He appreciated the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources and members of the State Steering and Technical Committees for their continued guidance, commitment and support, which he said have contributed significantly to the achievements being celebrated.
While commissioning the equipment, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule commended the ACReSAL team for its impressive achievements and the tangible impact of its interventions across the State.
The Governor attributed the progress to committed, visionary and purposeful individuals who remain intentional about achieving the objectives of the project.
He explained that his personal presence at the commissioning underscored the importance his administration attaches to the equipment and the immense value it is expected to deliver to the people of Nasarawa State.
Governor Sule reaffirmed that climate change is real and requires deliberate, practical and sustained intervention. He particularly emphasized the importance of regular desilting and maintenance of waterways, noting that such interventions would significantly reduce the impact of flooding and other environmental challenges.
He, however, stressed that technical expertise alone would not guarantee the sustainability of the equipment, emphasizing that honesty, integrity, commitment and responsible management remain essential to achieving the desired results as the machines shall be put to use immediately.
The Governor assured ACReSAL of the continued support of the Nasarawa State Government, expressing confidence that the partnership would yield greater achievements and contribute substantially to building a safer, stronger, more resilient and environmentally sustainable Nasarawa State.
ACReSAL: Greening the Environment, Saving Lives!
Communications
NS-ACReSAL
26th August,2026.