Nigerian’s NEWMAP project to impact Environment, Social Development
The Honorable Minister, federal ministry of Environment, has described Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) as a flagship project of the federal Government and the federal ministry of Environment given its positive impact on the environment and social development. He said “the project did not only impact in the area of gully restoration and the watershed catchment management, but also on livelihood enhancement activities and sustainable land management. This is why the project is linked to Mr. President’s goal and priority of lifting 100 million Nigerians from poverty in the next few years.”
Alhaji Muhammad Mahmood in a meeting held with World Bank and NEWMAP officials applauded the recent awards of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
Addressing the Team lead; Dr. Simeon Ehui, World Bank regional Director for Africa on sustainable development, he expressed great satisfaction with the project; “the project achievements in its short existence are significantly evident across the components.” He said.
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According to him, “21 gully sites have been treated with 100% of planned measures across the first 7 Pilot States of Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo and Imo with average percentage completion of 95%. 26 sites have reduced in severity and 1,602 hectares have been recovered as at June 2019. By doing so, lives have been saved as well as infrastructure within affected communities. Through gully rehabilitation and road construction, there is improved access to markets (for agricultural produce and businesses), schools and healthcare services.”
He highlighted other achievements of the Project noting that, “this actually led to the recognition and Awards accorded to NEWMAP during the FY19 World Bank Nigeria Portfolio Awards: Overall Best Project in the entire World Bank Portfolio, Best Project in Results and Innovation, and Best Project in Financial Management.” He added that the project had earlier won 2 Sustainable Development Awards at the Work Bank 2019 Market Place for Projects in the entire Africa Portfolio, which is why “Undoubtedly for us, NEWMAP is the Gold Standard for erosion control and other forms of land degradation.”
In his remarks, Dr. Simeon Ehui. commended the achievements of the project and its positive impacts on the lives of the people: “Iam pleased to see the performance of the project and congratulations to the Project Team for good job done,” he added.
“My major Mission to Nigeria is to leverage on the on the robust partnership between the Bank and the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture. This is because we need to look into the future and we need to strategically look into how we can provide solutions to issues bordering on food security, environment and livelihoods,” said Dr. Ehui.
Apart from the issue of sustainable Land management, he acknowledged the ongoing cooperation the Bank is having as regards the Nigeria Green bond Project and the three stages of FADAMA with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and noted the various success achieved, that has necessitated the need to move-up on the gains. In the area of sustainable land management and gully restoration, he noted that NEWMAP has greatly impacted the polity and for sustainability, may solidify accrued gains with NEWMAP 2.
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Report By: PRNigeria.com