Federal Government, EIB Launch €175 Million NEWMAP–EIB Project to Tackle Erosion and Strengthen Climate Resilience Across Nigeria The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB), has officially launched the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP–EIB) — a transformative initiative designed to combat erosion, manage flooding, and restore degraded watersheds across 23 states of the federation. Valued at €175 million and to be implemented over five years, the NEWMAP–EIB Project aims to reduce the vulnerability of communities to soil erosion and climate change impacts, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable land and water management practices nationwide. Speaking during the launch, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, described the project as “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s collective effort to safeguard its environment, communities, and economy from the adverse effects of climate change, particularly soil erosion and watershed degradation.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring transparent, effective, and result-oriented implementation. The project focuses on two components: Erosion and watershed management infrastructure investment Project management. Mr. Roger Stuart, Head of the EIB Regional Hub for West and Central Africa, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to sustainable environmental recovery through inclusive local participation. “The NEWMAP–EIB project adopts an environmental resuscitation approach anchored on rigorous community engagement. This ensures sustainability and fosters ownership and accountability among local communities,” he said. The Federal Government has already released ₦750 million as the first tranche of counterpart funding. The Federal Ministry of Environment will implement the project through a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) working closely with state governments, local communities, and development partners to ensure effective coordination and monitoring. In his remarks, Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, reiterated the government’s resolve to tackle Nigeria’s environmental challenges through accountability and collaboration. “As implementation begins, all stakeholders will be carried along to guarantee transparency, efficiency, and long-term impact,” he stated. Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP–EIB, highlighted the project’s expected outcomes, noting that it will reduce the impact of soil erosion and flooding, enhance climate resilience, create jobs, and empower communities through sustainable livelihood programs and capacity development initiatives. Participating states — including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto — have pledged their commitment to provide counterpart funding and ensure effective implementation at the subnational level. The NEWMAP–EIB Project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), both of which prioritize climate-smart, resilient, and sustainable development. With strong federal, state, and international collaboration, the project marks a bold step towards building a climate-resilient Nigeria and restoring degraded ecosystems for future generations. In attendance were the representative of the 23 State Governors, National Assembly, The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Representative of EIB, UNOPs, French Development Agency, Islamic Development Bank, World Bank, Hon. Minister of Finance.
