Kaduna State has forged a pivotal alliance with the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), embarking on a comprehensive initiative designed to implement multi-site erosion control interventions. this strategic partnership aims to safeguard vulnerable communities and significantly bolster their climate resilience.
backed by the substantial support of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the project’s objectives are ambitious: to substantially diminish susceptibility to soil erosion within specific sub-watershed communities, fortify their capacity to withstand climate impacts, and uplift the economic well-being of those affected.
Mr. Ayuba Yalaks, the national project coordinator, formally announced this groundbreaking collaboration during a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources on Friday, signaling a proactive step towards environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
He said Kaduna had met all the conditions for participation, including counterpart funding, technical readiness and institutional arrangements, qualifying it for disbursement under the European Investment Bank-supported initiative.
“We are impressed with the states level of preparedness. The state is ready for full implementation.
This is not just a technical project it’s a social and economic lifeline,” Yalaks said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) team had visited erosion affected sites at Unguwan Barde/Matari in Chikun LGA and Hayin Danmani in Igabi LGA, both listed as first-phase priority sites due to their high-risk status.
“The erosion sites poses serious threat to lives, homes, and infrastructure requiring urgent attention,” Yalaks added.
He said that full-scale implementation would begin immediately after a formal launch in Abuja.
Yalaks commended Gov. Uba Sani for demonstrating strong political will and prioritising environmental resilience through strategic partnerships.
“We are here at the instance of the state governor, who has shown commitment to solving erosion challenges. Kaduna has taken the lead among participating states,” he added.
In his remarks, Abubakar Buba, Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, welcomed the FPMU team while reaffirming the state’s commitment to the project’s success.
“As far as Kaduna State is concerned, Gov. Uba Sani is ready to support the SPMU. Our aim is not just to participate but to lead among the implementing states,” Buba said.
Mr Gideon Sachi, State Project Coordinator, said the state had fulfilled all preparatory steps, including provision of counterpart funds, staff deployment, vehicles, office space, and preliminary site designs.
“Twelve erosion sites across the three senatorial zones have been prioritised in the first phase.
Over 500 gully sites have been identified statewide, only those meeting technical standards will be addressed in phases,” Sachi said.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, FPMU Specialists, and members of staff of the State Project Management Unit
