Niger Among 23 Beneficiary States For NEWMAP-EIB Project

Niger State has officially qualified as one of the 23 states selected to participate in the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB).

This initiative, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), aims to combat soil erosion, curb land degradation, and implement interventions to 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.

National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Engr. Anda Yalak, represented by Natural Resource Specialist Kingsley Nwawuba, announced this development during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Umaru Bago (represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Gawu), on Monday in Minna. Nwawuba confirmed that Niger State had met all conditions for participation.

According to Nwawuba, these conditions include the availability of counterpart funding, office space, staff, and operational vehicles, all of which now qualify the state to receive disbursements 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 would strengthen the SPMU’s efficiency.

As part of the Scoping Mission, the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) delegation inspected priority erosion sites at Keteren Gwari, M.I. Wushishi Estate, FUT–Hayin Gwari, and Keteren Gwari by Mechanic Village. These sites were prioritised due to their high-risk status.

“The erosion sites pose a serious threat to lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, requiring urgent intervention,” Nwawuba stated.

He further commended Governor Bago for demonstrating a strong political will in prioritising environmental resilience, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development for the benefit of the people of the State.

In response, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar 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, benefiting 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.

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 the authorising environment for creating an enabling environment that made this 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.

Specialists from the FPMU and staff of the State Project Management Unit were also in attendance.