The Niger State government has been officially designated as one of the 23 beneficiary states selected to participate in the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project, NEWMAP, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank.
The initiative, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), aims to combat soil erosion, mitigate land degradation, and implement interventions that enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable communities throughout the state.
State Governor, Dr. Umaru M. Bago, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman Gawu, explained that the project is designed to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance community well-being.
Its National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Engr. Anda A. Yalak, confirmed the development, stating that Niger met all conditions for participation. These included the availability of counterpart funding, office space, staff, operational vehicles, and now the state can benefit from the disbursement.
While commending Niger State for its readiness, Yalak 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 will strengthen the Project Management Unit’s efficiency.
He explained that the erosion sites pose a serious threat to lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, requiring urgent intervention. He also added that the governor has demonstrated strong political will in prioritising environmental resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable development for the benefit of the people.
As part of the Scoping Mission, the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) delegation conducted inspections of priority erosion sites at Keteren Gwari, M.I. Wushishi Estate, FUT–Hayin Gwari, and Keteren Gwari by Mechanic Village. These sites were listed due to their high-risk status.
Responding, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman Gawu, reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to the success of the NEWMAP-EIB project, noting that Niger State is the largest in land mass and 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—for the benefit of our people and the country at large,” he stated.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry 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 for the project, as it is of 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 for creating an enabling environment to make the 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.
