Press Releases – NEWMAP-EIB

Press Release: Federal Government, EIB Launch €175 Million NEWMAP–EIB Project to Tackle Erosion and Strengthen Climate Resilience Across Nigeria

Webmaster / October 9, 2025

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.

Borno State, featured, News, Press Releases

Press Release: Borno Emerges Among 23 States to Fulfill All NEWMAP-EIB Conditions for Disbursement

Webmaster / September 23, 2025

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.

featured, Niger state, Press Releases

Press Release: Niger State Qualifies Among 23 Beneficiary States

Webmaster / September 17, 2025

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)

featured, News, Ogun State, Press Releases

NEWMAP-EIB: OGSG Pays ₦.5bn Counterpart Fund, 100% Ready to Tackle Gully Erosion – FG

Webmaster / September 8, 2025

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.

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NEWMAP-EIB and Great Green Wall Forge Stronger Ties on Watershed Management and degraded Land Restoration

Webmaster / August 12, 2025

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.

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NEWMAP–EIB Team Visits Department of Forestry to Strengthen Collaboration on Sustainable Land Restoration and Climate Resilience

Webmaster / August 12, 2025

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.

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PRESS RELEASE: NEWMAP-EIB National Project Coordinator Holds High-Level Meeting with State Project Coordinators Ahead of Project Launch

Webmaster / May 16, 2025

The National Project Coordinator, European Investment Bank assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation -Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) on Friday held a high level meeting with the project coordinators of the 23 participating states, ahead of the project launch. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adams Kambari represented by Director Legal Services, Mrs O. A. Salako , Head, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Hazel Natukunda and all 23 Project Coordinators, Procurement, Monitoring and Evaluation officers were amongst those who attended the meeting. In a compelling keynote address, Mrs. O.A. Salako, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability and highlighted the importance of the NEWMAP-EIB project in tackling Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, erosion, and other forms of land degradation. In her goodwill message, Hazel Natukunda, Head, UNOPS Nigeria, reaffirmed the organization’s support towards Nigeria’s development initiatives for the Environment sector, emphasizing the significance of partnerships and team work in driving progress. Earlier in his welcome address, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, outlined the meeting’s objectives, including providing project status updates, Draft work plan and strategizing for a successful launch in the month of June, 2025. He also called for unity of purpose, team spirit and coordination amongst the state project coordinators and their staff.

featured, News, Oyo State, Press Releases

Press Release: NEWMAP-EIB Visits Oyo State, Commends Emissions Reduction Efforts

Webmaster / April 11, 2025

The National Project Coordinator of the European Investment Bank assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation- Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) has commended the Oyo State Government for its efforts in CO2 emissions reduction which is in line with Nigeria climate change mitigation strategies, saying it is in line with the countries NDCs determined contribution efforts towards emission reduction. Engr. Anda made this commendation when he led the Federal Project Management Unit during the week on a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Abduraheem Adebayo Lawal, in his office in Ibadan, Oyo State. Engr. Anda informed the governor that Oyo State has met 100 percent of all the conditions precedence towards disbursement effectiveness to attract funding from the European Investment bank. He thanked the governor for the 500M Naira counterpart fund contribution which has long been approved and released to the project account and further appealed to the governor to increase the state counterpart fund contribution to enable effective project operations and running cost. Also, he requested that government should consider to provide additional project operational vehicles for smooth project operations. The Oyo State deputy governor, Bar. Abduraheem Adebayo Lawal thanked the NEWMAP-EIB Team for the visit and reassured the team that government will work towards increasing the counterpart fund and the provision of vehicles to the project. He stated that the state under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde is committed to improving the lives of its citizens and to fulfilling its campaign promises to the people. He pledged the states continued support to the project. The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Mojeeb Mogbonjubola, also expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor for supporting the project with the release of counterpart funds. On arrival, the team visited sites in LAUTECH Ogbomosho, Ibarapa East LGA in Eruwa, Fedomu and Ayetoro in Olorunsogo LGA in Igbeti, and Ibadan metropolis along the Maje River. The Oba of Igbeti Land, Oba Bashir Olalekan Abioye Siyanbola IV While welcoming the team to his palace said his people were ready and willing to cooperate with the government for the betterment of their lives. He assured the NEWMAP-EIB team that Igbeti land is a secured community and they will provide maximum support and security when work commences and assured the team of total ownership at project completion. The Pro- Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council LAUTECH, Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole, expressed the university community’s appreciation to the team for the visit saying, “Your presence signifies a crucial step towards collaborative efforts in addressing and solving our environmental concerns”. The Chairman of Olorunsogo LGA, Hon. Olayanju Kazeem who received the NEWMAP -EIB Team during a working visit earlier, said he was thankful to the governor for listening to the concerns of Igbeti community and promised to work with the government and NEWMAP-EIB for the success of the project. Chairman of Ibarapa East LGA, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade also thanked the state government for remembering the people of his community and promised utmost cooperation when work commences in the community. The State Project Coordinator, Bar. Ayoade Adetayo thanked the state governor for providing counterpart fund and for exhibiting high political will; describing it as exemplary leadership that has led the state to be listed as one of the 23 beneficiary states. The meeting had in attendance, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment other senior government officials, Permanent Secretary of the ministry for environment, FPMU Specialists and Staff of the SPMU.

Delta, featured, News, Press Releases

Delta State Receives Commendation for ₦1 Billion Counterpart Fund Contribution to NEWMAP-EIB

manager / March 17, 2025

The National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks has commended the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led administration for approval and release of the sum of one billion naira to the counterpart fund account demonstrating the highest level of political will to tackle environmental challenges in the state. This he said has secured the state as one of the 23 beneficiary states for European Investment bank intervention. ” It is an example of what we are expecting from our Authorizing environments” he said. Engr. Yalaks made this known when he led the Federal Project Management Unit delegation on a courtesy visit to the Office of the Secretary to the State Govt of Delta state, Dr. Kingsley Emu on Friday in Asaba, Delta State. He also confirmed that after conducting an assessment of the prioritized sites which are currently active, aggressive, a threat to infrastructural development, and a threat to lives, they are therefore considered as candidate sites in line with the conditions precedence of the European Investment Bank intervention. ” They are sites to invest in and have met the conditions precedence, Delta State has met all by 100%”. Welcoming the FPMU delegation, the SSG, Dr. Kingsley Emu highlighted some notable achievements under the NEWMAP phase 1, such as the Owanta erosion and stormwater management project in Ika North East and Obomkpa and Ukwu-Nzu Erosion Sites in Aniocha North Local Government Area, which he said, followed due process of project specifications. Dr. Emu appealed to NEWMAP- EIB for a replica of this success in other ongoing projects in the state. He assured the NEWMAP-EIB FPMU delegation of the Delta State government’s unwavering support in ensuring a safe environment and resilience to the impact of climate change. Earlier, in his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro revealed that the promises of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the people of Okpanam community during his election campaigns have begun to yield positive results in the community following the approval of the Amachai/Ogbozoma and Vanguard Area Erosion Sites for intervention. Hon. Jamani reiterated the state government’s resolve to extend the NEWMAP- EIB project to other communities ravaged by erosion. “This move aims to secure and sustain the environment in Delta state” he said. Present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Minnie Oseji, State Project Coordinator, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, NEWMAP- EIB Specialist Staff, amongst other top government officials.

Cross river, featured, News, Press Releases

Press Release: Gov. Otu Recieves NEWMAP-EIB Delegation, Pledges Full Support to Tackle gully Erosion in C’River.

[email protected] / March 3, 2025

Gov. Otu Recieves NEWMAP-EIB Delegation, Pledges Full Support to Tackle gully Erosion in C’River. The Cross River Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has pledged his full support to the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) in its effort to combat gully erosion in the state. Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the pledge at the Government House, Calabar, on Friday, during a courtesy visit by the Federal Project Management Team, led by the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks. He acknowledged the intervention made by Cross River State NEWMAP phase 1 and thanked the team for continuing from where they stopped. He pledged the state government’s support for the project, underscoring its significance to the preservation of livelihoods of the people who would have otherwise been adversely affected by fully erosion, as seen in the destruction of farmlands. The visit was part of the Cross River State Scoping Mission aimed at assessing the state’s readiness to participate in the project and draw funding from the European Investment Bank. The mission objective is to evaluate the state’s effective readiness, as a crucial step towards disbursement and project implementation take off. The visit also demonstrates the project’s commitment to collaboration and stakeholders’ engagement towards ensuring the successful implementation of NEWMAP-EIB in the state. The National Project Coordinator was accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses John Osogi, the State Project Coordinator, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo and Staff of the State Project Management Unit. Highlight of the visit was a special moment of recognition, where the Deputy Governor presented a plaque to the National Project Coordinator (NPC) for outstanding performance. This gesture acknowledges the NPC’s exceptional work and dedication to the Project.