The Federal Government has partnered with the World Bank to address the growing problem of shrinking water bodies across Nigeria.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during a workshop on the presentation and validation of nine Strategic Catchment Management Plans under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said “the project aims to restore degraded landscapes, improve water management and strengthen climate resilience, particularly in northern Nigeria where communities are increasingly affected by desertification and declining water sources”.

The minister noted that the plan will guide sustainable management of watersheds, promote climate smart agriculture and support livelihoods dependent on water resources.

Government officials say the programme, supported by the World Bank, is expected to drive long term environmental restoration and help secure water resources for communities across affected areas.

Nigeria moves to save shrinking water bodies as FG, World Bank unveil new blueprint