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FG to Fight Erosion with €175 million EIB Facility
FG to Fight Erosion with €175 million EIB Facility
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has concluded plans to fight erosion in 23 states across the country with €175 million facility from European Investment Bank (EIB).
Speaking at the launch of the European Investment Bank (EIB) assisted Nigerias Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Environment and Chairman, Steering Committee of the Project, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, said the EIB approved facility of €175 million aimed at building upon and deepening the achievements recorded under NEWMAP-IDA,
Lawal said: “It is with great honour and privilege that I welcome you all to the launch of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB). I am delighted to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria has fulfilled all the outlined conditions precedent for the implementation of this project.
“Consequently, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) is now disbursement-effective.”
He said: “In 2010, the Federal Government, with support from the World Bank, launched the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-IDA) to address soil degradation, food insecurity, and land remediation under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. The multi-sectoral NEWMAP-IDA project stabilized gully erosion sites, improved livelihoods, and strengthened institutions. It commenced in 2013 with seven (7) states and later expanded to 23 states. The project closed in June 2022.
“In 2020, the Federal Government secured additional financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand the scope of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). The EIB approved a facility of €175 million aimed at building upon and deepening the achievements recorded under NEWMAP-IDA, using the Strategic Watershed Management approach. The project became technically effective in 2023 and now disbursement-effective in 2025. It is to be implemented over a period of five (5) years across twenty-three (23) states, namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto.”
He revealed that: “Like its predecessor, the NEWMAP-EIB is overseen by the Federal Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Environment and comprising members from various MDAs. At the Technical Committee level, it is chaired by the Permanent Secretary. The project is driven by a Federal Project Management Unit under the coordination of a National Project Coordinator. This institutional arrangement is being replicated at the state level. The NEWMAP-EIB has been restructured into two key components: Erosion and Watershed Management Infrastructure Investment and Project Management.”
On his part, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, said the project will find a lasting solution to issues of climate change as it involves our environment degradation, including issues of advanced flooding, erosion and forms of land degradation across the country would be of lesser harm.
He noted that the project provides the technical assistance necessary to ensure the effective delivery and management of erosion.
End
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and injuries to three others following an attack by suspected Fulani militias on Kopmur village, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22 at about 4:00 p.m., when the armed assailants stormed a house where some local farmers had taken shelter and opened fire.
The attack led to the death of Dashan Mwanar, 42, while Sonma Mwanar, 32, Kyenkyes Dakup, 26, and Joy Vumshak, 25, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bokkos Division, led a team to the scene, where the injured victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police said the deceased’s remains had been released to his relatives for burial after the family declined an autopsy.
Meanwhile, sources assured that investigation is ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits and prevent further attacks in the area.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified search and rescue operations following the abduction of a school principal and his daughter in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, at about 3:00 a.m., when a group of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Mr. Zakari Yelwa, Principal of Narati Government Secondary School, located opposite the Technical College, Abaji.
The assailants reportedly forced open the door to the residence and abducted Mr. Yelwa and his daughter, Hafsat Zakari, to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the distress call, a combined team of police operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vigilante groups, and local hunters was immediately deployed to the scene.
The team has since launched a coordinated search operation, combing the surrounding bushes and hills in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
Police authorities assured residents of Abaji that all efforts are being made to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and urged the public to report any useful information that could aid the ongoing operation.
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army personnel has been found dead after pursuing an assailant in Twatagi village, Patigi Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 21, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., when the deceased soldier, Private Usman Alhaji attached to Apapa, Lagos, was riding on a motorcycle with one Muhammad Baba, a native of Twatagi village.
While on their way to Patigi town, they encountered a man walking along the road with a stick, who suddenly struck them as they passed by. The man immediately fled into the bush.
The sources stated that Private Alhaji pursued the assailant on foot but failed to return. After waiting for hours without seeing him, Muhammad Baba reportedly searched the area but could not locate the soldier.
However, at about 2:00 p.m. the following day, villagers discovered the lifeless body of the soldier in the bush.
Police operatives visited the scene and observed that the victim sustained a stab wound to the neck.
The body was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
Gov. Uba Sani Says No Citizens Should be Pushed into Poverty Seeking Essential Medical Care
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
Four killed, others displaced as communal clash erupts in Niger community
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