The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has reassured government’s commitment to mitigate erosion and watershed challenges in Nigeria.
Balarabe disclosed this recently in Abuja at the launching of the N175 million Euro fund from the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted facility for Nigerian Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB).
The Minister stressed that Federal Government has fulfilled all the outlined conditions precedent for the implementation of the project. Therefore, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) is now disbursing the N17.5 million Euro to kick start the project.
Balarabe also reiterated that Nigeria, like many nations, faces worsening climate disasters such as gully erosion occasioned by annual flooding which continue to cause havoc, loss of lives, destruction of properties as well as severe environmental degradation, particularly across rural communities, urban centres and farmlands.
He further noted that the launch therefore, signifies a clear testimony to the power of collaboration and shared vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s commitment towards environmental sustainability.
He expressed his deep gratitude for the trust and confidence in the shared vision and partnerships that will strengthen the resolve to take a firm stand against the devastating impacts of climate change.
He also urged the state project coordinators to collaborate with Traditional, Rural Communities, Youth groups, Rural Women and Religious Leaders in their respective states to achieve full implementation and ownership of the projects.
The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, HE, Manasseh Daniel Jatau and his Kogi State counterpart, HE Salifu Joel Oyibo both pledged the readiness of all the 23 participating States to utilize the funds judiciously to avert the devastating impacts of erosion and watershed in their communities
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari noted that the launch was a multidisciplinary approach and a partnership model as the project embodies Nigeria’s vision for resilient landscapes, sustainable infrastructure, and robust stakeholder engagement.
He commended the EIB for not only recognising the urgency of mitigating Nigeria’s environmental challenges, but also standing in solidarity with Ministry to build smarter, greener and resilient cities.
The Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Regional Hub for West and Central Africa, Mr Roger Stuart, in his goodwill message said the project exemplified the type of high impact, climate focused operation the EIB was proud to support.
Roger revealed that the project was the first EIB facility in sub-Saharan Africa solely dedicated to climate adaptation, reversing damages caused by erosion, human activities in the rural communities.
While giving an overview of the project, the National Project Coordinator (NEWMAP), Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks highlighted that the initiative was a strategic extension of government’s longstanding efforts to address land degradation, strengthen institutional capacity, and empower communities to adapt to the changing climate.
Ayuba mentioned that the project will address the issues of adverse gully erosion, flood challenges and other forms of land degradation across the country.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria, HE, Mr. Gautier Mignot, in his goodwill message said they are in the country to support policies that will ensure environmental sustainability, economic growth and development.
In his Vote of Thanks, the Director, Erosion, Flood Control and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani expressed the Ministry’s profound appreciation to Mr. President, EIB, Stakeholders and invited guests for their unwavering commitment to control the environmental challenges in Nigeria.
Signed
Ibrahim Haruna
Director, Information
