The federal government has signed the Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP), a crucial step towards sustainable management and utilization of the nation’s water resources.
The SCMP is a key element of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, funded by the World Bank. At the signing ceremony on Monday, the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Lawal, emphasized the initiative’s importance for environmental health and citizen welfare.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to safeguard the environment and ensure sustainable development,” Lawal stated. “The SCMP is a crucial step towards responsible management of our natural resources.”
Lawal explained that catchments, areas where water is collected and drained into natural or man-made outlets, are essential for ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity. However, they face challenges such as soil erosion, poor waste management, and climate change. The SCMP aims to address these issues through sustainable management practices.
“The Integrated Catchment Management Plan provides a long-term strategy for sustainable development and utilization of water and related resources. It ensures that land, water, and related resources are managed in a coordinated manner without compromising vital ecosystems,” he added.
The plan includes agreed investments in infrastructure and other interventions to resolve conflicts, conserve resources, and ensure equitable access to water. Lawal noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability.
“By implementing the SCMP, the ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources will ensure sustainable land management, improve living standards, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable agriculture in northern Nigeria,” he said.
Chuka Offodile, Managing Director of Mecon Geology and Engineering Services Ltd and consultant for the project, elaborated on the scientific approach to the SCMP. The plan involves delineating northern Nigeria into 20 mega-catchments, analyzing data, and recommending community-based, climate-resilient solutions to existing and potential environmental challenges.
“At the core of environmental issues is water,” Offodile explained. “We will study water resources within each catchment, evaluate geospatial relationships, and address challenges such as desertification, flooding, and water pollution.”
The SCMP aims to ensure that both surface and groundwater resources are effectively managed, leading to improved agricultural productivity, sustainable land use, and enhanced livelihoods for communities across northern Nigeria.
