Niger State has been identified as one of the states fully prepared to access funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project supported by the European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB). The funds are targeted at addressing gully erosion and bridging infrastructural gaps across the state.
The Representative of the National Project Coordinator, Kingsley Nwauba, disclosed this during an assessment visit by a team from the National Project Unit to the state.
According to him, the visit was part of a broader effort to evaluate the state’s readiness for the project. He noted that the team was impressed with the level of preparedness in Niger State.
“From our assessment of the gully erosion sites, we are satisfied that Niger State is ready to access funds for the NEWMAP project,” Nwauba stated. “We, however, urge the state government to swiftly release its counterpart funds to guarantee the smooth take-off and success of the initiative.”
The NEWMAP-EIB is a five-year project, primarily funded by the World Bank with additional support from the European Investment Bank, designed to stabilize and control gully erosion while reducing the impacts of environmental degradation.
Hosting the delegation in Minna, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Musa, assured that the state government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations.“
“Niger State will play its part to ensure the success of this project. We understand the urgency of addressing environmental degradation, and the government will not relent in supporting NEWMAP,” Dr. Musa pledged.
Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator for NEWMAP-EIB, Usman Garba Ibeto, highlighted progress already recorded in the state under the World Bank-supported phase of NEWMAP.
“Two gully erosion sites, including the Ketegren Gwari erosion site and the Atiku Madaki erosion site in Lapai Local Government, have already been cleared,” Ibeto revealed. “In addition, five new sites have been identified for design in the first phase of the NEWMAP-EIB intervention.”
He added that the renewed partnership with the European Investment Bank would not only enhance erosion control but also strengthen environmental sustainability efforts in the state.
