Niger Govt urges swift stabilization of gully erosion sites in Mokwa

The Niger State Government has appealed to the Agro Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project to accelerate the stabilization of gully erosion sites in Mokwa Local Government Area.

Governor Umaru Bago, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff and Coordinator of all World Bank projects in the state, Sadiq Yusuf, made the appeal during a special dinner organised for the ACReSAL World Bank team at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna.

He expressed optimism that addressing the gully erosion challenge in Mokwa would bring relief to residents who have long struggled with the environmental threat. The governor also pledged the continuous support of the state government to ensure the success of all World Bank-assisted projects in the state.

In her remarks, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr. Joy Agene, commended the enabling environment provided by the Niger State Government, acknowledging it as key to the smooth progress of ACReSAL projects in the state. She also lauded Governor Bago for his consistent support for women in the agricultural sector.

National Project Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhameed Umar, noted that the World Bank’s mission in the state validated and endorsed the strategic management plan for the ACReSAL project, through which the federal government will invest in developing 20 strategic catchment management plans. He said this initiative would eventually produce 200 micro catchment management plans at sub-national levels, with Niger State leading the way.

On his part, the Niger State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Raji Shehu Adam, thanked the state government for the prompt payment of counterpart funding, which has been pivotal to the project’s progress.

Commissioner for Environment, Muhammad Yakubu Kolo, highlighted ACReSAL’s achievements in Niger State, including the establishment of a 150-hectare oil farm in Laboji, training of 100 women in agriculture, digging of 88 boreholes across the 25 local government areas, agro-poultry farming covering 25 hectares, establishment of small plant nurseries, and procurement of tractors and farming equipment.

The evening featured a performance by the Gwape cultural troupe and presentation of souvenirs from the Niger State Government to World Bank task team members.