The World Bank has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for its effective implementation of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, describing it as a national benchmark after a three-year review.
During a field visit to Kwali Area Council, World Bank Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, Ellysa Baroudy, praised the project’s impact after engaging with residents in Pukafa and Sheda 1 communities.
“It is always difficult to implement a program, but ACReSAL has succeeded in Nigeria,” Baroudy said. “We don’t always have successful projects, but this is a successful project.”
She noted that while the World Bank provides funding, “the FCT stakeholders knew how to deploy the resources to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for ACReSAL, emphasized the importance of traditional leadership. “Before we engage with any community, we first pay homage to the traditional rulers,” she said.
FCT Agriculture Mandate Secretary, Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, called ACReSAL a “game-changer,” citing strong oversight by the Minister-led Steering Committee.
Project Coordinator Caroline Opara added, “Every component of ACReSAL has been implemented in Kwali. It is the heart of our interventions.”
