FG hails Bauchi’s performance on ACReSAL

The Federal Government has described the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project (ACReSAL) as a performing project, a rating that has paved the way for additional financing to scale up activities in 19 northern states and the FCT.
Speaking on Monday at the Hybrid Additional Financing Pre-Appraisal Mission meeting in Bauchi, National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Abdulhameed Umar, said the Federal Project Management Unit chose Bauchi to host the meeting because of the state’s strong performance.
He said the World Bank’s positive assessment triggered the pre-appraisal process for more funding, saying, “On behalf of the Federal Government, I bring greetings from the Ministers of Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, and Water Resources and Sanitation.”
According to him, the Federal Government has marked ACReSAL as a performing project, and that is why the World Bank is providing additional funding.The pre-appraisal mission will review performance and set the groundwork for releasing additional funds to expand interventions.
Umar ranked Bauchi among the best-performing states under the project, adding, “Bauchi happens to be one of our best-performing states as far as ACReSAL is concerned. We didn’t find it difficult to come to Bauchi because ACReSAL is actually being implemented and delivering results here.”

He also commended the state government for its hospitality and the governor’s personal commitment to the project since the delegation arrived on Sunday.

Also speaking, the Task-Team Lead of ACReSAL, Dr Joy Anyanwu, praised the Bauchi State Governor for his leadership and understanding of donor-funded programmes, and asked the Deputy Governor to convey the project’s appreciation.

“His Excellency is one of the governors that we appreciate under the project. He is one of the leading governors under ACReSAL who understands donor funding and the required support,” she said

She also thanked all 19 states, the FCT and project coordinators for delivering results on the ground.

“You are the boots on the ground. I can attest that you have done well. Otherwise, there would not be any additional finance.’

Anyanwu noted that ACReSAL is unique for having three Task-Team Leads, which have helped drive delivery.