In commemoration of this year’s World Environment Day 2026, the Nigeria Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project, (Niger ACReSAL) , in collaboration with the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency, (NISEPA), and the Niger State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, has commenced the desilting of major drainages across Minna metropolis.

The exercise, which began this week, targets flood-prone channels and clogged waterways that contribute to urban flooding and environmental degradation during the rainy season. Heavy-duty equipment have been deployed to priority locations.

Speaking during the flag-off, the Project Coordinator, Niger ACReSAL, Mall. Raji Shehu Adam, stated that the intervention aligns with the 2026 World Environment Day theme of “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”He noted that blocked drainages, largely caused by indiscriminate waste disposal, remain a major threat to public health, property, and livelihoods.

“Our goal is twofold: to reduce the risk of flooding and to raise awareness on responsible waste management. Desilting alone is not enough. We are calling on residents of Minna to stop dumping refuse in drains. A clean environment is a shared responsibility,” he said.

The General Manager/CEO. of NISEPA Dr. Abubakar Muhammad, commended the partnership, describing it as a proactive step toward building climate resilience in Niger State. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Abubakar Sadeeq Musa, also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to environmental protection and enforcement of sanitation laws.

As part of the World Environment Day activities, Niger ACReSAL and its partners will intensify community sensitization through radio jingles, town criers, and advocacy visits to markets and motor parks. Residents are advised not to panic at the noise and movement of heavy machines, as the work is a planned public safety measure.

Niger ACReSAL is working with state governments to reduce vulnerability to climate change and restore degraded landscapes across Northern Nigeria.