The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Executive Director of Dr Abdulmumin Aminu-Zaria, has described the Marketplace Project of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) as a hub for agricultural development, environmental sustainability, and livelihood transformation in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Dr Abdulmumin Aminu-Zaria, made this known in Abuja during the ACReSAL Marketplace Project themed “Greening the Environment, Saving Lives.”

The event brought together stakeholders, including the World Bank, Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Sanitation, Agriculture and Food Security, Environment, and other partners.

According to him, the ACReSAL project has made a profound impact in two critical areas of NIWRMC’s operations: the development of 20 Strategic Catchment Management Plans (CMPs) covering five Northern Hydrological Areas, and the establishment of a Hydrological Modelling Centre.

“These CMPs serve as essential frameworks for the sustainable management of our water resources, enabling us to respond to local needs and environmental challenges,” Aminu-Zaria explained. 

“The Hydrological Modelling Centre also enhances our capacity to simulate different water scenarios, which is vital for decision-making in drought mitigation, flood management, and resource allocation.”

He stressed that the partnership between NIWRMC and ACReSAL has improved water governance, strengthened institutional capacity, and promoted collaboration among stakeholders working towards sustainable development.

Agriculture is heavily dependent on water resources, so the project is seen as a critical intervention for smallholder farmers, who often bear the brunt of droughts, flooding, and climate shocks. 

By addressing water governance and climate adaptation, ACReSAL is helping to safeguard food security and rural livelihoods across Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.

“The Commission deeply values this partnership and recognises ACReSAL’s vital role in advancing integrated water management, climate adaptation, and livelihood improvement,” Aminu-Zaria said. 

“We remain committed to ensuring these interventions translate into lasting benefits for Alternative Option: An image of a water catchment area, irrigation system, or tree-planting activity in semi-arid landscapes.

Source: NAN