The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB) in Abuja.
Performing the launching at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal declared that the country had met all conditions precedent thereby paving way for the implementation of the project.
“I am delighted to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria 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”, the Minister said.
Providing a background as to how far the Nation has come on the project, he further stated that, “In 2010, the Federal Government, with support from the World Bank, launched the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-IDA) to address soil degradation, food insecurity, and land remediation under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
“The multi-sectoral NEWMAP-IDA project stabilized gully erosion sites, improved livelihoods, and strengthened institutions. It commenced in 2013 with seven (7) states and later expanded to 23 states. The project closed in June 2022.
“In 2020, the Federal Government 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.
“The project became technically effective in 2023 and now disbursement-effective in 2025. It is to be implemented over a period of five (5) years across twenty-three (23) states.
According to him, the project covers the entire South East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. The level of environmental degradation in the region caused by erosion is well documented and concerning and it is not surprising that it has gotten such attention
In the South – South, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Edo states are involved while Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Oyo states are covered in the South West.
In the North East Borno and Gombe are involved. For the North West it is Kaduna, Kano Katsina and Sokoto while Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau make the list for the North Central.
It is clear that the states qualified based on needs assessment and the willingness cum readiness of the state authorities to meet the requisite conditions thereby ruling out any sentimental or political considerations.
“Distinguished Guests, Nigeria, like many nations, faces worsening climate disasters. Gully erosion and annual flooding continue to cause havoc and loss of lives, destruction of property as well as severe environmental degradation, particularly across rural communities, urban centres, and farmlands”, Balarabe Lawal continued.
” Today’s launch therefore, signifies a clear testimony to the power of collaboration and shared vision. The support of the European Investment Bank in climate finance has provided Nigeria with a vital lifeline for erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration. We are deeply grateful for your trust and confidence in this shared vision. Partnerships such as this strengthen our resolve to take a firm stand against the devastating impacts of climate change.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has released its first tranche of counterpart funding and is currently working on the second tranche. He therefore urged the states to take their counterpart funding seriously to ensure maximum success of the programme.
“The Federal Government has released ₦750 million as the first tranche of counterpart funding to the Federal Project Management Unit. This 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. The success of this project will largely depend on the commitments from state governments. I therefore urge State Governors to increase their counterpart fund contributions just as the Federal Government is also processing another tranche of disbursement.
At this juncture, I want to express my appreciation to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy for the tireless efforts of his ministry in making this project a reality. I also appeal for continued support and consideration in providing additional counterpart funding to the project in order to further strengthen the Federal Project Management Unit operations. Special gratitude goes to the European Investment Bank for deeming Nigeria worthy of this loan. It is hope that this partnership will continue to yield transformative results for our people and the environment at large.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment said, “It is with great pleasure, that I welcome you all to this momentous occasion for the official launch of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation- Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB). This is a European Investment Bank-Assisted Project, designed to address critical areas of climate adaptation and erosion.
He added that the event is not just a ceremony, 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 effort.
“In conclusion, 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.