Federal Government Launches NEWMAP–EIB Project
The Federal Government has officially launched the European Investment Bank–assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion, and Watershed Project (NEWMAP–EIB) in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment and Chairman of the NEWMAP–EIB Steering Committee, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, stated that the initiative is designed to build on and expand the achievements of the earlier NEWMAP project. He noted that the project will adopt a Strategic Watershed Management approach to strengthen climate adaptation measures, tackle erosion challenges, and promote sustainable environmental management across the country. Dignitaries in attendance included, Ambassador of the EU to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Head of the EIB Regional Hub for West Africa and Central Africa, National Assembly, Representatives of Governors of the 23 participating states, Ministers of FRN, Honourable Commissioners of Environment and Climate change, UNOPS, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Federal Ministry of Finance, Donor partners, Civil Society Organizations and Non Governmental Organizations. Permanent Secretary, FMEnv. Mahmud Adams Kambari Cross Section during project launch
Photo Gallery: Niger State Scoping Mission
FPMU Courtsey Visit to Niger State Government M.I Wushishi Estate, Minna Keteren Gwari by Mechanic Village Fut-Hayin Gwari Keteren Gwari
Photo Gallery: Kano State Scoping Mission
Courtesy Visit To Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Mohammed Hashim On Tuesday, the FPMU Team, led by Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Mohammed Hashim, in his office in Kano. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal and State Governments to advance sustainable solutions aimed at protecting communities, strengthening resilience, and ensuring the long-term success of NEWMAP-EIB interventions in the State. Also in attendance were the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Ismail Aliyu Danmaraya; the Accountant General of Kano State, Hajia Jamila Magaji Abdullahi; the Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB Kano, Mr. Hamza Gambo Dahir; the Project Coordinator, ACReSAL Kano, Aminu Gidado Yushau; along with Specialists from the FPMU and SPMU Staff Kwankwasiya City Erosion Site Wailari Erosion Site Rarin Erosion site, Kano Dawakin Dakata Erosion Site Bachirawa Tudun Fulani Erosite Site
Photo Gallery: Borno State Scoping Mission
Inspection visit to the SPMU Office Courtsey visit to the SSG Office Jere Stormwater Management KASAN YASHI SHUAWRI 7 River Ngadda, Old Maiduguri
Press Release: Borno Emerges Among 23 States to Fulfill All NEWMAP-EIB Conditions for Disbursement
In a determined effort to ensure all 23 participating states meet the conditions precedent for the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), led by the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, has visited Borno State to assess its readiness ahead of the project’s official launch. To access NEWMAP-EIB funds, states are required to fulfill key operational prerequisites Conditions including the : provision of counterpart funding, establishment of project offices, recruitment of staff, acquisition of operational vehicles, development of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), adherence to the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) procurement guidelines, and verification of erosion sites as outlined in the criteria for site selection. Borno State has successfully met all requirements and is now qualified to receive disbursement from the Bank. This was disclosed by Engr. Yalaks during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Borno State, H.E. Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Bukar Tijjani, in Maiduguri. Engr. Yalaks highlighted the transformative benefits of the NEWMAP-EIB intervention in Borno, noting that it will not only address erosion challenges but also boost socio-economic development across the state. “Interventions will include the construction of bridges to reconnect cut-off communities, along the project corridor, implementation of sub catchment management plans will enhance water resources conservation for agricultural activities, community empowerment and to strengthen agricultural value chain, and the provision of access roads to economic hubs such as the cattle market located in old Maiduguri and the shoe factory in Fariya village, old Maiduguri. These projects will also drive revenue generation, job creation, and promote climate-resilliant and climate smart agriculture in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Yalaks said. He commended Governor Zulum for demonstrating strong political will, particularly through the release of ₦500 million as state government counterpart funding to the Project, which he described as a clear sign of highest level of government commitment. Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the SSG, Mallam Bukar Tijjani, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment and readiness to fully support the NEWMAP-EIB initiatives, stressing that the NEWMAP-EIB Project development objective aligns with Governor Zulum’s vision to improving the livelihoods of the good citizens of Borno. His Excellency consistently emphasizes transparency and accountability in driving project implementation and management of the project funds. He advised on the judicious utilization of the project funds for effective impact on the affected communities. He further added that the state is fully committed to making available all that is needed to making the project succeed in Borno state, Tijjani assured. In his earlier submission, the SSG acknowledge the steadfast support of the European Union and it’s partners during Borno’s most challenging periods and urged the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) to take this very important assignment seriously, with utmost commitment, due diligence and transparency. In attendance at the meeting were the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Mohammed Habib; the Permanent Secretary, Comrade Juliana Bitrus; the FPMU, team; and staff of the SPMU.
Press Release: Niger State Qualifies Among 23 Beneficiary States
NEWMAP-EIB: Niger State Qualifies Among 23 Beneficiary States Niger State has officially qualified as one of the 23 beneficiary states selected to participate in the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB). The initiative, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), seeks to combat soil erosion, curb land degradation, and deliver interventions that will improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities across the state. The project is designed to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance community well-being. Announcing this development during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Umaru Mohammed Bago (represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu), the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks—represented by Natural Resource Specialist, Kingsley Nwawuba confirmed that Niger State had met all conditions for participation. These include the availability of counterpart funding, office space, Staff, operational vehicles, amongst others, which now qualify the state to benefit from disbursement under the EIB-supported initiative. While commending Niger State for its readiness, Nwawuba appealed to the state government to ensure the timely release of the full counterpart funds to the State Project Management Unit (SPMU), noting that this will strengthen the Project Management Unit efficiency. As part of the Scoping Mission, the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) delegation conducted inspections of priority erosion sites at Keteren Gwari, M.I. Wushishi Estate, FUT–Hayin Gwari, and Keteren Gwari by Mechanic Village. These sites were listed due to their high-risk status. “The erosion sites pose a serious threat to lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, requiring urgent intervention,” Nwawuba noted. He further commended Governor Bago for demonstrating strong political will in prioritizing environmental resilience, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development for the benefit of the people of the State. In his response, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to the success of the NEWMAP-EIB project. “Niger State, the largest in land mass, has long been impacted by water-related challenges. The NEWMAP-EIB project is therefore both timely and strategic. We are delighted that, through this visit, the state has qualified to participate and access funding from the Bank—for the benefit of our people and the country at large,” he stated. He also assured the delegation that all pending concerns raised during the visit would be addressed promptly. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Communications and Digital Economy, who also oversees the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Musa, pledged the ministry’s full support, stressing the project’s strategic importance in advancing the state’s environmental and developmental priorities. The State Project Coordinator, Mallam Usman Garba Ibeto, described the FPMU visit as long-awaited and expressed gratitude to the Governor and authorizing environment for creating an enabling environment to make the milestone possible. With the successful completion of the Scoping Mission Niger State is now well positioned to benefit from EIB environmental intervention funds, marking a critical milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle ecological degradation. Also in attendance were specialists from the FPMU as well as staff of the State Project Management Unit. Signed Madina Gertrude Kune Communication Specialist (NEWMAP-EIB)
Photo Gallary: Ogun State Scoping Mission
A courtesy visit to the Hon. Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya Site visit at Olorunsogo gully site, Ijebu-Ode LGA. Site visit to Ojumele Isale Road Gully Site, Sagamu LGA Site visit at Makalewo gully site at Ijebu-Ode LGA Site visit at Ijako Ishaka in Ota, Ogun State. A courtesy visit to the Coordinating Economic Commissioner, Honourable Commissioner for Finance Mr. Dapo Okubadejo in his office, in Abeokuta
NEWMAP-EIB: OGSG Pays ₦.5bn Counterpart Fund, 100% Ready to Tackle Gully Erosion – FG
In its continued effort towards effective flood and erosion control across the State, the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government in Ogun State has paid a counterpart fund contribution of Five Hundred Million Naira (₦500,000,000.00),which is one of the major criteria to assessing support fund from European Investment Bank for approved intervention sites in the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB). The National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Ayuba Anda Yalaks made this known in Abeokuta during an inspection tour to Ogun State to assess the level of preparedness and readiness of the state and to have an “on the spot assessment” of the project sites that had been captured for intervention. The Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) in company of the Ogun State Project Management Unit (SPMU) led by the National Project Coordinator inspected the Makalewo and Olorunsogo gully sites, both in Ijebu Ode Local government area of the state, the Ojumele gully site in Sagamu Local Government and Ishakale gully site in Ado – Odo, Ota Local Government area of the state amongst others to determine the level of damages already caused by the erosion and proffer solutions. Speaking with journalists after the inspection exercise, Engr. Yalaks assured the state of the needed support from the federal government and development partners in terms of the technical guidance and finance affirming that Ogun State is hundred percent (100%) ready to commence operation. The National Project Coordinator who disclosed that the state has ticked the major criteria boxes to be considered ready as outlined by the European Bank appreciated the Ogun State government for not paying lip service to the project while pleading with the state to do more to support the project with additional finance if and when the need arises. Receiving the team on behalf of the State Governor, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor who doubles as the Commissioner for Finance in the State, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo and his counterparts from the Ministries of Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya and that of Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan appreciated the team for the visit disclosing that the payment of the counterpart funds revealed the commitment of the state to the project which would help to protect the residents against flood and erosion havocs. The trio revealed that if other states fail to key into the project, Ogun State will not because the State is at the receiving end of the water coming from the upstream adding that Ogun state must be well prepared for the flood because if anything happens to Oyan Dam located on the longest tributaries to Ogun river, the impact would be so devastating to the communities downstream. On his part, the State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Ismail Adenuga disclosed that the essence of the visit and inspection tour was to assess the level of damage done by the erosion and its impact on the environment, communities and property with the aim of providing a lasting solution to the identified sites. Some residents of the affected areas, Messrs Abiodun Olubajo, Banuso Oyeyinka, Abiodun Olaloko, Kayode Bello and Mrs. Funmilayo Egbeleye, all pleaded with government to come to their aid for normalcy to return through the proper discharge of the flood into appropriate streams to avoid loss of lives and property. They also appreciated the government through the NEWMAP-EIB team for having the people at heart and planning to fix the gullies saying their coming alone is a relief that the days of erosions and flood wrecking havocs in their communities are numbered.
NEWMAP-EIB and Great Green Wall Forge Stronger Ties on Watershed Management and degraded Land Restoration
The National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr. Ayuba Anda Yalaks, Monday paid a courtesy visit to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) in order to deepen collaboration of the project’s effort in watershed management, combat land degradation, and promote environmental sustainability. During the visit, Engr. Yalaks congratulated the Director General of NAGGW, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, MFR, on the successful hosting of the 10th Anniversary of the Great Green Wall, recently observed in Dutse, Jigawa State. He described the anniversary as “highly impactful and a strong testament to the Agency’s leadership role in environmental restoration.” He also commended the Director General and the Agency for initiating a five-year strategic plan to plant date palm (Dabino) trees across the NAGGW’s shelter belt corridor of the Sahel — a project designed to enhance livelihoods, strengthen food security, biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, green jobs, food security and to ensure a long-term sustainability and developing resilience of the impacted communities along the belt. He further alluded to the fact that the “Great Green Wall is not just a Wall of Trees across the Sahel but a Wall of Hope, Security, Green jobs opportunities, Economic growth, and peace development”. Under the guidance and leadership of Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister for Environment; the National Coordinator highlighted NEWMAP-EIB’s mandate— funded by the European Investment Bank with a five-year lifespan — is dedicated to climate change adaptation, erosion control and flood management, watershed management and developing Nigeria’s resilience to the changing climate. He stressed that the NAGGW remains a key partner in advancing Nigeria’s vision for a greener environment, green jobs opportunities, and green economy in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Renewed Hope Initiatives for an improved and better greener environment and green economy for the betterment of the Nigerian people. “As a green project, we provide bioengineering solutions to protect and sustain the civil engineering infrastructural investment implemented. Most of the erosion and flooding challenges that the country is battling with today are largely man-made, caused by the human quest for livelihood, uncoordinated development, poor termination of drains, and of poor urban town planning and a deficit in urban drainage infrastructural investment. With the increase in the rate to which our forest cover is being degraded and the ever-rising temperature, the depletion of the ozone layer; our rainfall pattern continues to be disrupted. Therefore, reversing this trend is critical and calls for collective action,” he said. However, the current government regime under the environmental leadership stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is tackling head-on the menace of flood and erosion control through the NEWMAP-EIB funded intervention project. Engr. Yalaks also encouraged the NAGGW to invest more in research and development, focusing on how planted trees — such as Neem, Date palms trees etc — can generate along a value chain, including solutions for managing post-harvest losses, herbicides and pesticides, soil fertilizer, pharmaceuticals etc. This will guarantee ownership and sustainability of the NAGGW across the Sahelian Region of the Nigerian corridor. In his response, the Director General, NAGGW, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, MFR appreciated the visit and pledged the Agency’s continued collaboration and partnership with NEWMAP-EIB. Both parties reaffirmed their shared vision and commitment to tackling watershed challenges, restoring degraded lands, and building a sustainable and resilient environment for the benefit of Nigerians across the Sahel. The NPC was accompanied on the visit by the FPMU Specialist Staff, and in attendance with the DG, NAGGW was some top Management.