Gombe State NEWMAP-EIB Team Joins 23 States and FCT for Capacity Building Workshop in Asaba, Delta State

The Gombe State NEWMAP-EIB Project Management Unit is joining counterparts from 23 other participating states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Asaba, Delta State, for a high-level Capacity Building and Project Implementation Readiness Workshop.

The five-day event, which commenced on Monday, marks a critical milestone for the European Investment Bank-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) as it prepares for full-scale field execution.

The workshop, running from Monday, May 18 to Thursday, May 21, 2026, is a Joint Mission bringing together the Government of Nigeria (GoN), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), and State Project Implementation Units (SPIUs), including the Gombe State contingent.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, charged participants to fully embrace the technical and operational requirements of the European Investment Bank project framework. This alignment is crucial to ensuring effective project delivery, sustainability, and adherence to global best practices.

The National Project Coordinator stressed the need for states to deploy their technical expertise and institutional knowledge to drive project implementation in line with international standards and the expectations of the European Union (EU).

According to him, the workshop provides a rare opportunity for state actors to interact closely with international partners, deepen their understanding of project procedures, and strengthen collaboration.
“Accountability and professionalism remain critical to the success of the programme,” the NPC noted, urging state teams to take the sessions seriously, particularly in procurement planning and compliance.

This workshop serves as a strategic launchpad to reinforce readiness to tackle severe erosion, watershed degradation, and pressing climate adaptation challenges through sustainably managed interventions.

Also speaking, the Senior Project Manager of UNOPS, Mr. Donato Serena, announced that the project is successfully transitioning from the preparation stage to full implementation. He noted that UNOPS has been fully mobilised to support the Federal Government and participating states in achieving their environmental objectives.

Serena explained that the intensive training is designed to build practical capacity across several core pillars:
– Procurement and financial planning
– Engineering design and technical discussions
– Environmental and social safeguards
– Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

The agenda also includes scheduled site visits across Delta State to expose delegates from other states to field realities, practical problem-solving, and knowledge sharing.

In his goodwill message, the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Tommy Jamani, welcomed all state delegations and participants to Delta State.

Represented by the Delta State Project Coordinator, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, the Commissioner assured visitors that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has ensured a peaceful, secure, and conducive environment for international partnerships to thrive.

He encouraged delegates to exchange ideas and build strong institutional relationships to collectively address Nigeria’s climate vulnerabilities.

Armed with the insights, technical readiness, and compliance frameworks gained from the Asaba Joint Mission, the Gombe State NEWMAP-EIB team is well-positioned for a seamless and impactful rollout of its upcoming intervention projects.

Adapting Today Safeguarding Tomorrow.