In a bid to produce over one million seedlings to enhance the state’s agro-climatic resilience, Nasarawa State’s Agro Climatic Resilience and Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has signed an MoU with Green Sahara Farms and other private firms.
The collaboration aims to address climate change, promote environmental sustainability, and tackle the challenges posed by semi-arid landscapes.
The MOU signing ceremony, held in Lafia, brought together representatives from ACRESAL, Green Sahara Farms, Agro Prociso Limited, Midwest Agro Services Limited, Green Environmental Solutions Initiative, and Green Sahara Farms.
The partnership extends beyond seedling production to include the establishment of research centers to support students from tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State.
Addressing stakeholders, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Yakubu Kwanta, spoke about the scope of the partnership. “This agreement is not only about seedlings but also about building research hubs that will provide practical learning opportunities for our students,” he stated. He assured the private firms of the state government’s full support and urged host communities to embrace the project, which will contribute significantly to the state’s revenue base.
Dr. Napoleon Gyobe, the Nasarawa State ACRESAL Coordinator, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to address climate change issues in the region. He noted that the project would help restore degraded landscapes and build resilience against environmental challenges.
Mr. Robert Garba, representing the private firms, noted that the partnership will create job opportunities for the youth in Nasarawa State. He emphasized the initiative’s focus on climate action, economic growth, and community development.
As part of the partnership, Green Sahara Farms will establish a nursery site in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, dedicated to producing seedlings for the initiative. This MOU represents a pivotal achievement for Green Sahara Farms’ Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, which aims to promote sustainable environmental projects in collaboration with government bodies.