Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Abuja — The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), has officially launched the €175 million Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), a landmark initiative designed to combat the country’s growing climate-related challenges. The five-year program, unveiled in Abuja today, is expected to address flooding, erosion, and watershed degradation across 23 states, providing critical protection for farmlands, infrastructure, and vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, described the project as a milestone in Nigeria’s climate adaptation journey and a strong demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that the program represents a decisive step toward building sustainable, climate-smart communities capable of withstanding environmental pressures and protecting future generations.
The project will not only rehabilitate degraded lands but also help to reduce the devastating impacts of extreme weather events that have increasingly threatened food security, destroyed public infrastructure, and displaced households across many states. By integrating modern watershed management practices with community-driven approaches, NEWMAP-EIB aims to deliver long-term resilience while safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
According to officials, the program’s focus will go beyond infrastructure restoration. It will prioritize environmental sustainability, improve agricultural productivity, and foster greater collaboration between local communities, state governments, and international development partners. The EIB’s financial commitment marks one of the largest single climate adaptation investments in Nigeria, reflecting global recognition of the urgent need to protect the nation from escalating climate risks.
Minister Lawal reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the project, stressing that every euro invested must deliver measurable impact. He added that Nigeria’s partnership with the European Investment Bank underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling shared climate challenges.
Stakeholders at the event noted that the success of NEWMAP-EIB could serve as a blueprint for broader climate adaptation efforts across Africa, where environmental degradation and the consequences of climate change continue to undermine socio-economic development. With the program now officially underway, attention will turn to the 23 states where targeted interventions are expected to provide immediate relief and lasting resilience for communities living on the frontline of erosion and flooding.
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