The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has disbursed $25,000 each to ten communities under the pilot phase of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF).
This project, implemented through the respective Community Revolving Fund Management Committees, is a core component of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
In a ceremony held in Abuja, Dr. Mahmoud also inaugurated the distribution of solar-powered water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups (CIGs), motorcycles for FCT Forest Guards, and water tankers alongside a multipurpose truck to enhance reforestation efforts undertaken by the FCT Administration.
She stressed that the CRF is designed to strengthen agro-climatic resilience at the community and household levels through sustainable land and water management strategies, alongside climate-smart agricultural practices.
The ten pilot communities include Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.
According to the minister, the zero-interest fund is a critical lifeline for advancing local livelihoods and community development.
However, she underscored the importance of timely repayment to ensure the fund’s sustainability and extend its benefits to more communities.
“I urge you to use these funds wisely to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of your communities,” Dr. Mahmoud stated.
She added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s plans to address the growing food crisis in Nigeria.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its collaboration on the ACReSAL project and commended the National Project Coordinator from the Federal Project Management Unit for their contributions.
Dr. Mahmoud reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to improving the quality of life for residents and building a thriving FCT in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, emphasized the CRF’s role in empowering communities and promoting sustainable practices.
He described the initiative as a vital element of the ACReSAL project, enabling communities to implement innovative strategies to improve agricultural productivity, secure food supplies, and foster local development.
Geidam expressed satisfaction that the FCT is now among the states implementing the CRF, after overcoming numerous challenges. He assured the public that the funds would be utilized effectively to achieve their intended goals.
He further noted that the ACReSAL project has already delivered progress in reforesting degraded forest reserves in Buja and Kujekwa.
Among its achievements are the establishment of a 160-kilometer shelter belt stretching from Zuba through Giri Junction to Abaji, as well as the fencing and safeguarding of FCT forest plantations.
“The project has greatly improved community members’ lives by providing over 41 solar-powered boreholes and 270 standalone solar lights,” Geidam said.
He added that the initiative has also advanced climate-smart agriculture, particularly in dry seasons, with the construction of more than 60 tube wells.
The distributed items included 60 solar-powered water pumping machines, 30 motorcycles equipped for forest guards, and a newly acquired water tanker and multipurpose truck to support climate-smart irrigation farming.