The Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) convened a strategic meeting on Monday, 11/8/2025 in Abuja with 23 State Project Coordinators to finalize state-level readiness and work plans ahead of fund disbursement.
Delivering the opening remarks, the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Ayuba Anda Yalaks, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to harmonize state readiness, finalize draft work plans, and address all outstanding concerns prior to the release of funds.
Providing an update on the status of the project, the National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks announced that the NEWMAP-EIB project has been declared technically and disbursement effective. He also confirmed that the project has received the first tranche of funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Engr. Yalaks reiterated that, for any state to receive disbursement under the first tranche of releases, it must have been visited and physically assessed by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), as recommended by the bank, this is in line with fulfilling all the condition readiness criteria outlined by the European Investment Bank.
He further emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in each state’s project team, cautioning against unnecessary changes in staff composition.
According to him, such changes, particularly involving signatory officers to the project account, could delay disbursement and raise concerns with the bank.
“Unnecessary staff turnover could trigger a red flag on the project and result in a prolonged clearance process.
The Bank, he warned, will not be receptive to any alterations in the already cleared bank arrangements approved for the states.
Additionally, states that have not yet secured the required “No Objection” for their staff composition will experience delays in fund releases.
Therefore, the NPC advised State Project Coordinators (SPCs) to remain guided, ensure their authorizing environment is well-informed, and take every measure to meet the stipulated requirements to avoid disbursement delays.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Project Coordinators Forum, Dr. Philip Uche Echiegu, warmly welcomed all participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving project goals.
The Director, Erosion Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department ( FMEnv.) Mr.Usman Abdullahi Bokani in his remarks, encouraged all project coordinators to explore every avenue for successful implementation, noting that the project’s success would be a significant milestone and a testament to collective effort and dedication.
The meeting was attended by 23 State Project Coordinators, Heads of Project Financial Management Units (PFMU), Procurement Officers,Project Accountants, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers, and Federal Project Management Unit Specialist Staff.