In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s environmental defenses, the World Bank has officially kicked off a high-level review mission for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. This hybrid mission, which runs throughout much of December, serves as a critical checkpoint to evaluate how well the initiative is meeting its goals of transforming the lives and landscapes of northern Nigeria.
Since its launch two years ago, the ACReSAL project has gained considerable momentum in its fight against desertification and land degradation. The current mission is focused on measuring the actual impact of efforts to reclaim drylands and improve how water and soil are managed in regions most vulnerable to climate change. Experts are currently engaged in intensive sessions with federal ministries, including Environment, Water Resources, and Agriculture, while also conducting physical inspections of project sites in Plateau State.
A major part of this evaluation involves looking at the project’s three strategic pillars to see if they are delivering real-world results. The team is particularly interested in two main indicators: the scaling up of sustainable landscape management in northern watersheds and the creation of a more stable environment for climate-resilient development across the country. This evidence-based approach helps the World Bank and the Nigerian government understand exactly what is working on the ground and where strategies might need to be adjusted.
Beyond just looking at numbers, this pre-mid-term phase is designed to set clear benchmarks for every participating state. By clarifying the path forward, the mission ensures that all stakeholders—from local communities to federal officials—are aligned and fully committed to the project’s long-term success. It is also an opportunity to harmonize progress reports and document the milestones achieved since the project first began.
Furthermore, the mission is providing a strict oversight function to ensure that all financial management and procurement processes meet international standards. By strengthening these compliance measures, the World Bank aims to ensure that every resource allocated to ACReSAL is used effectively to protect the environment and support the millions of Nigerians whose livelihoods depend on healthy, fertile land.
