Federal Government Launches NEWMAP-EIB with €175 Million Funding
…Gombe State
1st October, 2025
The Federal Government has officially launched the European Investment Bank Assisted-Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project second (NEWMAP-EIB) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The programme, jointly funded by the Federal Government, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and 23 beneficiary state governments, will run for five years. The EIB has committed €175 million to the project, while both national and subnational governments will contribute €53 million.
The Minister of Environment and Chairman of the NEWMAP-EIB Steering Committee, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the menace of environmental degradation, largely caused by human activities. He urged Nigerians to desist from building on waterways, maintain proper drainage systems, and avoid harmful practices that endanger the ecosystem.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, assured that Gombe State is committed to fighting erosion and has paid its counterpart funding of ₦500 million. He emphasised the need to preserve the environment against growing threats and called on Nigerians to adopt sustainable practices to ensure environmental protection for future generations.
The European Investment Bank, the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the Islamic Development Bank, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) all praised the initiative, describing the launch as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against environmental degradation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, stressed that the event was not merely ceremonial but a clear demonstration of the government’s firm commitment to tackling Nigeria’s environmental challenges. The National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Engr.Anda Ayuba Yalaks, presented an overview of the project nationwide, highlighting erosion-affected areas and stressing the urgent need for action to curb environmental degradation.
The launch of NEWMAP-EIB marks a significant step towards addressing the country’s environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. With the commitment of €175 million from the EIB and the contributions of national and subnational governments, the project is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Nigerians.
The Gombe State Project Management unit (SPMU) is overwhelmed with the launch of the project as its project coordinator, Dr. Shittu Whanda Ja’afaru commented immediately after the launch said that it will allow them to support Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s environmental sustainability initiatives by providing the needed capacity and financial resources to build resilience to climate change in our communities.
