As the FPMU continues to assess states’ effective readiness, across the 23 states in Nigeria, the NPC, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks has called for upscaled counterpart funding from the state governors’ fund project operational activities, enhancing the capacity of staff in SPMU’s and a conducive work environment for project staff.
Engr. Anda made this call when he led the FPMU team on a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, HE Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa on Friday 11th July 2024 in government house, Akure, Ondo state.
Engr. Anda revealed that Ondo State is 95 percent ready for the project’s commencement. He however stated that there is need for additional project vehicles and the provision of more counterpart funds for the effective project takeoff and smooth implementation of activities at the state PMU.
The NPC also informed His Excellency of the urgent need to revalidate 5 sites out of the 15 approved bankable designs that were initially approved by the world Bank under the closed NEWMAP IDA funded project, in line with the present site conditions.
While commending the governor for his transformative leadership, the NPC thanked the governor for appointing the Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni, former SA Environment and Climate Change matters as Hon. Commissioner for Environment.
” This will bring into play his wealth of knowledge and experience is an asset to the Project” he said.
Engr Anda mentioned that despite Ondo State joining the old World Bank funded NEWMAP project late, they successfully completed all projects approved under the IDA funded NEWMAP.
According to the NPC, this was a result of high support and political will enjoyed by the project from HE, the authorizing Environment and the commitment and team spirit demonstrated by the staff of the SPMU.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa warmly welcomed the FPMU team to the state.
He mentioned his readiness to collaborate with NEWMAP-EIB. He expressed optimism that all investments will yield significant results that will benefit all.
He appealed to NEWMAP-EIB to give top priority to Ayetoro community as it faces the challenges and menace of coastal Erosion.
The governor assured the team that all requests presented to him will be positively attended to.
The NPC was accompanied on this courtesy visit by Hon. Commissioner for Environment, the FPMU Staff, the Project Supervisor, and the SPMU staff.
