World Bank and Nigeria invest $1.2 billion in water resource management
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The World Bank and the Nigerian federal government are working together to fund a $1.2 billion program to manage water resources and improve climate resilience across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, World Bank Task Team Leader, explained the ACReSAL project will implement 20 Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMPs) to manage land, water, and environmental resources across state lines.
These plans mark the first large-scale, government-led effort to manage watersheds in Nigeria, recognising that actions taken in one area impact water resources downstream. The Aloma-Konshisha Strategic Catchment Management Plan, which spans Benue, Kogi, Cross River, Ebonyi and Enugu states, will address issues like flooding, deforestation, and land degradation.
MECON Geology and Engineering Services Ltd. reported that forest cover in the Aloma-Konshisha catchment decreased between 2017 and 2024, with growing agricultural activity and settlements increasing pressure on the land and water. The initiative aims to restore ecosystems, promote sustainable farming, and improve disaster preparedness through collaboration between government, development partners, and local communities. The World Bank recently approved an additional $500 million for ACReSAL over the next four years, building on existing investments.
