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The Joint Mission and Capacity-Building Programme for the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Kano State
HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY 1 | JOINT MISSION & CAPACITY-BUILDING PROGRAMME The Joint Mission and Capacity-Building Programme for the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) commenced today in Kano State, bringing together representatives of the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), State Project Implementation Units (SPIUs), UNOPS and participating stakeholders from 23 NEWMAP-EIB States. In his opening address, the Hon. Commissioner for Environment, Kano State, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to climate adaptation and erosion management, particularly across its four priority intervention sites. The National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, welcomed participants and encouraged active participation, collaboration and knowledge-sharing throughout the programme. Welcoming the delegates, UNOPS Project Coordinator, Donato Serena, outlined the purpose of the capacity-building exercise: to strengthen technical and operational capacities, promote effective coordination among FPMU, SPIUs and UNOPS, and equip stakeholders with practical knowledge and tools for efficient, compliant and quality project implementation. He also took participants through the three-day programme schedule and called for their full cooperation and active engagement. The Day 1 programme set the stage for technical sessions, stakeholder engagement and field activities aimed at strengthening project delivery under NEWMAP-EIB. Joint Mission Tours Proposed Erosion Control Sites in Kumbotso, Kano As part of the GoN–UNOPS–FPMU–SPIUs Joint Mission and Capacity-Building Programme in Kano, the team visited two proposed erosion control sites in Kumbotso LGA — Kwankwasiyya City and Wailari/Kwarin Goje, engaging community leaders to assess the scale of erosion impact ahead of planned interventions. At Kwankwasiyya City, the team observed a major gully spanning roughly 1.9 kilometres, with an additional 1-kilometre finger, affecting an estimated 20,000 residents. Community leaders noted the gully began as a small channel and has since expanded to threaten homes, infrastructure and livelihoods. At Wailari/Kwarin Goje, the proposed site covers approximately 24.81 hectares and 400 metres in length, with an estimated 25,000 residents affected. Community leaders welcomed the proposed interventions and urged timely implementation to safeguard their homes and livelihoods. The visit deepened the mission team’s understanding of on-ground realities and strengthened engagement with communities set to benefit from the proposed works. Day 2 – Capacity-Building Participants at the NEWMAP-EIB Capacity Building Training in Kano deep-dive into thematic breakout sessions on Day 2, covering Communications, Human Resources & Administration, GIS/ICT/MIS, Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) & GBV, and Audit. Facilitators led practical, discipline-specific sessions designed to strengthen institutional systems and international best practice across the project’s implementing structures. COMMUNICATION UNIT HR/HUMAN RESOURCES AUDIT UNIT GIS UNIT GBV/GRM UNIT INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) / MIS UNIT UNOPS TEAM Day 3 — UNOPS-NEWMAP/EIB Capacity Building Training, Kano 9 September 2026 Participants pictured in thematic group photographs following Day 3 of the UNOPS-NEWMAP/EIB Capacity Building Training in Kano. Sessions were held across six groups — Communications, HR and Administration, GIS, ICT/MIS, GBV/GRM, and Audit — facilitated by resource persons from UNOPS.
UNOPS, FPMU, And Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment Reaffirm Commitment to Accelerating Climate Adaptation Project Across 23 States
Abuja, Nigeria — Tuesday, 28th April 2026 The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) convened a high-level stakeholder meeting with the Honourable Minister of Environment and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary to advance implementation of the European Investment Bank (EIB)-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB). The meeting brought together Directors from key departments within the Federal Ministry of Environment and centered on strategies to accelerate project delivery across the 23 participating states. The Honourable Minister underscored the urgency of tackling Nigeria’s escalating erosion and flood challenges, calling for structured reporting mechanisms, clearly defined timelines, and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to safeguard the project’s long-term impact. The UNOPS delegation, led by Senior Project Manager Donato Serena, confirmed that the organization’s project team is now fully operational. UNOPS will assume responsibility for technical advisory services, compliance with EIB operational guidelines, and the design and delivery of capacity-building programmes for federal and state-level teams. A dedicated training mission is scheduled for mid-May in Delta State, aimed at strengthening project management capabilities across participating institutions. Discussions also addressed critical project milestones, including the submission of environmental and social safeguard documentation for formal approval and the ongoing review of state-level procurement plans. Stakeholders further examined institutional capacity gaps and staff retention strategies, with UNOPS noting that strong project performance and demonstrated results could position Nigeria favourably for additional funding from the EIB. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among all parties to enhance transparency, strengthen coordination, and accelerate delivery — with the collective goal of achieving measurable, sustainable erosion and flood management outcomes across the country.
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
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.
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.
NEWMAP–EIB Team Visits Department of Forestry to Strengthen Collaboration on Sustainable Land Restoration and Climate Resilience
The National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP–EIB) with funding from the European Investment Bank, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, Monday, 11/8/2025, led the team of the delegation of the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) on a courtesy visit to the Department of Forestry under the Federal Ministry of Environment. The visit aimed to deepen collaboration on sustainable land management and forest conservation and to promote a climate change adaptation strategy. NEWMAP–EIB’s mandate under the watch and guidance of Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister for Environment, is to address the challenges of land degradation and promote watershed management in a targeted sub-watershed across the 23 participating states in Nigeria. Receiving the delegation, the Director of Forestry, Dr. Moses Ama welcomed the team and commended NEWMAP–EIB for its ongoing efforts in tackling environmental degradation. He stressed the critical role of forestry in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the enhancement of community livelihoods. He, therefore, assured the department’s full support in areas of mutual interest. Earlier in his remarks, Engr. Yalaks reiterated the importance of inter-agency cooperation and collaboration in achieving the project’s development objectives. He noted that effective forest management and conservation initiatives are central to combating erosion, restoring degraded lands, and reducing the impacts of climate change. Most importantly, the forest cover plays a central and pivotal role in the hydrological cycle and provides opportunities for Non-Timber Wood Products for a sustainable and enhanced livelihood development. According to him, the visit underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to a coordinated approach in addressing the challenges of land degradation, deforestation, and strategic development of climate change response and adaptation across the nation under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
NEWMAP-EIB Team participates in One Day Retreat to Enhance Financial Management
NEWMAP -EIB Team participates in One-Day Retreat to Enhance Financial Management The NEWMAP-EIB Financial Management Team in the FPMU led by NEWMAP-EIB Financial Management Specialist, Naomi Susan Abah on Thursday, 24th July 2025 participated in a one day retreat organized by the Federal Projects Financial Management Department of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for Financial Management officers in Donor funded projects in the Federation. Addressing the officers in Abuja at the retreat of the Federal Projects Financial Management Department (FPFMD), the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Shamsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, said the officers have been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding both public and borrowed funds, which must be managed with utmost accountability. Represented by Mr. Akuagwu Raphael Chucks, Director Finance and Administration in the Office of the Accountant General (OAGF), Ogunjimi reminded the participants that the funds in their custody include borrowed resources that must eventually be repaid, either by the present generation or by the next. According to him, their role in donor-funded projects is vital to national development and requires unwavering commitment to transparency and value delivery. The Accountant-General urged the officers to consider the retreat as an opportunity for collective introspection, knowledge sharing, and strategic thinking on how to improve financial management across federal projects. He called on them to embrace innovation and adopt global best practices in order to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the use of donor and public funds. “Explore innovative solutions and share best practices aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency in the financial management of Federal Projects,” Ogunjimi said. He stressed the need for a united vision focused on improving the financial oversight of public resources, particularly in a time of increasing scrutiny and complexity in public finance. He said the era demands a higher level of responsibility from public finance managers. He also urged them to build professional relationships that will enable collaboration and effective implementation of their respective Project Development Objectives (PDOs). “As you navigate the challenges and opportunities in our various projects, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, knowing the OAGF is solidly behind you. Together we will pave the way for innovative financial management practices that will positively impact our nation’s development,” Ogunjimi stated. The retreat is expected to provide the officers with an avenue to strengthen their skills, improve compliance with financial guidelines, and reinforce the government’s goal of ensuring that donor-funded and federally-managed projects yield tangible benefits for the Nigerian people.
