Niger, 22 other states to get European Investment Bank’s environmental funding

Niger State has been officially selected as one of the 23 beneficiaries of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), an initiative supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to combat soil erosion, restore degraded land, and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

The announcement was made on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, represented by Abubakar Gawu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in Minna.

The delegation was led by Anda Ayuba Yalak, National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, who was represented by Kingsley Nwawuba, a Natural Resource Specialist.

According to Nwawuba, Niger State successfully met all the requirements for participation, including the provision of counterpart funding, office space, staff, and operational vehicles.

“These conditions qualify the state to access disbursements under the EIB-supported intervention”, he added.

While commending the state’s preparedness, he urged the government to ensure the timely release of counterpart funds to the State Project Management Unit (SPMU), stressing that this would boost efficiency and project delivery.

As part of the scoping mission, the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) team inspected erosion-prone areas across Minna, including Keteren Gwari, M.I. Wushishi Estate, FUT–Hayin Gwari, and Keteren Gwari by Mechanic Village.

These sites, he said, pose a significant risk to lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, requiring urgent intervention.

He praised Governor Bago for demonstrating strong political will to prioritise climate change adaptation, environmental resilience, and sustainable development in the state.

Responding on behalf of the governor, Gawu described Niger State’s qualification as “timely and strategic,” given the state’s long-standing struggle with water-related environmental challenges.

“Niger State, the largest in land mass, 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 said, assuring that all pending issues highlighted by the delegation would be resolved promptly.

Also speaking, Abubakar Musa, Permanent Secretary of Communications and Digital Economy, who also oversees the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, pledged the ministry’s full support.

He emphasised that the project is central to advancing the state’s environmental priorities and sustainable development agenda.

Usman Ibeto, State Project Coordinator, expressed gratitude to the governor and stakeholders for creating the enabling environment that paved the way for the milestone.

He noted that Niger State is now better positioned to tap into EIB intervention funds to tackle ecological degradation.