Borno State

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.