BREAKING: FCT minister disburses N388bn to 10 communities 

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has disbursed a total sum of N388bn ($250m) to ten communities in the territory, that qualified for the Community Revolving Fund.

The funds to be disbursed through the communities’ various CRF Management Communities, the Minister noted, is a pivotal aspect of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the FCT Minister of State, Austin Elemue, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, besides the disbursement of N38.8m ($25,000 each), to the ten communities, the Minister also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups, motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, water tankers, and a multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.

The statement partly read, “The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has disbursed $25,000.00 each to ten communities that have qualified for the pilot stage of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) through their respective Community Revolving Fund Management Committees.

Mahmoud also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups (CIGs), motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, a water tanker, and a multipurpose truck to support the reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.

The minister who made these presentations to the benefiting communities in Abuja also acknowledged that the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) was a pivotal aspect of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project”.

Mahmoud informed the benefitting communities that the funds were provided at zero interest rates but warned that timely repayment was essential for its sustainability, and to allow others to benefit.

“I urge you to utilize these funds wisely and responsibly, leveraging this opportunity to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve your livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities,” she said.

The project according to her, is specifically under component B, which focuses on bolstering agro-climatic resilience at both the community and household levels by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management strategies, and through climate-smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management.

The Minister described the timing of the initiative as apt and significant, noting its alignment with the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to combat the escalating food crisis in Nigeria.

“It further reflects the FCT Administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT,” she affirmed.

Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

Speaking earlier, the Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, explained that the Community Revolving Fund is a pivotal element under the ACReSAL project, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds.

He further noted that the fund was designed to empower local communities by providing them with the financial resources necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies, crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and ultimately enhancing their livelihoods and community growth.

Geidam listed the benefiting pilot communities to include Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.

He assured the Minister that the Secretariat would remain committed to ensuring that the funds were utilised effectively and prudently for their intended purposes.

“The project has significantly enhanced the lives of our community members by providing over 41 solar-powered boreholes and 270 stand-alone solar lights. Similarlly, the project has strengthened support for climate-smart agriculture, especially during the dry season, with the construction of over 60 tubewells,” he added.

Items distributed at the event include 60 solar-powered water pumping machines, 30 motorcycles and essential working materials for the FCT Forest Guards, and the newly acquired water tanker and multipurpose truck for climate-smart irrigation farming.