…As Nigeria fulfills all outlined conditions precedent for implementation of project.
By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Government in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), has launched a €175 partnership on Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP).
Speaking at the (NEWMAP-EIB) launch which took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment, while expressing delight, disclosed, that Federal Government has fulfilled all the outlined conditions precedent for the implementation of this project. Consequently, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) is now disbursement-effective.
He stated, that the Federal Government in 2020, secured additional financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand the scope of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). The EIB approved a facility of €175 million aimed at building upon and deepening the achievements recorded under NEWMAP-IDA, using the Strategic Watershed Management approach.
This said project became technically effective in 2023 and is now disbursement-effective in 2025.
It is to be implemented over a period of five (5) years across twenty-three (23) states, namely: 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.
Like its predecessor, the NEWMAP-EIB is overseen by the Federal Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Environment and comprising members from various MDAs. At the Technical Committee level, it is chaired by the Permanent Secretary. The project is driven by a Federal Project Management Unit under the coordination of a National Project Coordinator. This institutional arrangement is beeing replicated at the state level. The NEWMAP-EIB has been restructured into two key components: Erosion and Watershed Management Infrastructure Investment and Project Management.
The Minister disclosed further, that the Federal Government has released ₦750 million as the first tranche of counterpart funding to the Federal Project Management Unit.
Stating, that the aforementioned funds has enabled preparatory activities such as office setup, equipment, and other operations necessary for project’s take-off. At the same time, participating states have shown commitment by also providing counterpart funds to their State Project Implementing Units, further ensuring the initiative’s success and sustainability.
Giving an overview of the project, the National Project Coordinator NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks stressed that the initiative is a strategic extension of government’s longstanding efforts to address land degradation, strengthen institutional capacity, and empower communities to adapt to the changing climate.
He said, “The issues to be addressed are issues of adverse gully erosion, flood challenges and other forms of land degredations across the country. We will attend to land degradation at the initial stage and see that we handle and stop it from further expansion. While in the areas where erosion is manifested, we will bring a lasting solution to it. It is a project that is going to come with the empowerment of devastated community, support livelihood and bring about sustainable development.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment/Chairman technical committe on NEWMAP-EIB, stated, that this European Investment Bank-Assisted Project, is designed to address critical areas of climate adaptation and erosion.
“Today’s gathering is not just a ceremonial event, but a resounding reaffirmation of our shared commitment to a climate-resilient Nigeria. As we all know, environmental degradation, climate change-induced phenomenon will continue to threaten our ecosystems, livelihoods, and sustainable development efforts.
This project was made possible through the support of the European Investment Bank which is a critical step towards our collective endeavour to confront these challenges head-on with innovative, inclusive, and scalable solutions.” He said
He expressed gratitude to the European Investment Bank for not only recognizing the urgency of Nigeria’s environmental challenges, but also for standing in solidarity to build back smarter, greener and resilient cities.
Stating, “This partnership reflects the kind of transformative collaboration the world needs, one that prioritizes people, planet, and prosperity.”
“Let me welcome all our partners, from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), NGOs, CSOs and other development partners who have consistently supported us through policy, technical assistance, and community engagement. Your continued dedication has been, and will continue to be, the backbone of this journey.
“I urge all stakeholders to embrace this launch with clear purpose and a renewed call to action. Together, let us turn plans into progress and challenges into opportunities, ensuring that the NEWMAP-EIB project becomes a beacon of resilience and sustainability for generations to come.”
