The State Project Coordinator, Benue ACReSAL, Bldr. Victor Ama, recently, received the House of Assembly Standing Committee on Food Security and Nutrition in his office in Makurdi.
Welcoming the lawmakers, Bldr. Victor Ama expressed appreciation for their visit and reaffirmed Benue ACReSAL’s commitment to supporting the state government’s agenda for sustainable environmental management, food security, and livelihood improvement across communities.
In his briefing, Bldr. Ama outlined the key components of the project — focusing on watershed restoration, sustainable land management, livelihood support, and institutional strengthening. He emphasized that the project’s core mandate was to mitigate the impacts of climate change on communities within targeted watersheds, enhance agricultural productivity, and safeguard the environment for future generations.
The State Project Coordinator also took the opportunity to thank the members of the Benue State House of Assembly for their recent passage of the law establishing the Benue Agro-Climatic and Watershed Management Agency (BASAWMA) which he described the legislation as a landmark achievement that guarantees the sustainability of ACReSAL’s interventions beyond the project’s lifespan, ensuring that the gains recorded will continue to serve the people of Benue State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Engr. Ezra Nyiyongo commended the Benue ACReSAL team for the remarkable progress recorded in implementing project interventions across the state.
He acknowledged the visible achievements in watershed management, land restoration, afforestation, and livelihood empowerment, describing ACReSAL as one of the most impactful World Bank–assisted initiatives currently running in Benue State.
According to the Chairman, the purpose of the committee’s visit was to carry out its legislative oversight functions and ensure effective coordination between the House and the Project Implementation Unit. He added that such oversight would strengthen collaboration towards achieving the state government’s vision of lasting food security and environmental resilience.
Other members of the committee in attendance included, Hon. Anthony Agom, Hon. Elias Audu, Hon. Mathew Damkor, and the Committee Secretary, Mrs. Christiana Jato.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to deepen partnership and support the long-term vision of restoring degraded ecosystems, empowering rural communities, and achieving food security through sustainable environmental practices.