Delta State made a significant impact at the official launch of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), held on September 30, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The event marked a pivotal step in Nigeria’s environmental restoration efforts and highlighted Delta State’s proactive stance in addressing critical ecological challenges.
Leading the state’s delegation was the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Jamani Tommy Ejiro, MNES, whose presence underscored Delta’s unwavering commitment to sustainable environmental management.
In his remarks, Commissioner Jamani expressed the full support of the Delta State Government for the integrated approach adopted by the NEWMAP–EIB initiative, emphasizing its vital role in combating erosion, land degradation, and the escalating impacts of climate change.
Commissioner Jamani was accompanied by Mr. Godwin Toju Enone, the functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment; Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, the State Project Coordinator; as well as members of the Delta NEWMAP–EIB implementation team.
In his keynote address, the National Project Coordinator Dr Anda Ayuba described the NEWMAP–EIB partnership as a transformative platform for coordinated national action against ecological degradation. He highlighted the project’s potential to restore degraded lands, enhance climate resilience, and strengthen livelihoods—aligning with the Federal Government’s broader development goals.
The high-profile launch attracted participants from across Nigeria and internationally. Dignitaries included the Honourable Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal; representatives of various subnational governments; the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS; delegates from the European Investment Bank; members of the National Assembly; and key international development partners, including UNOPS, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Islamic Development Bank, and the World Bank. Senior officials from both federal and state governments were also in attendance.
For Delta State, this event marks a critical milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability—particularly in the fight against gully erosion, which continues to threaten vulnerable communities such as Amachai, Ogbeozoma, and the Vanguard Area in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Participation in the NEWMAP–EIB project aligns with the MORE Agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, reflecting the state’s commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure and comprehensive ecosystem restoration.
As implementation commences, Delta State is well-positioned to leverage the full benefits of the NEWMAP–EIB collaboration—not only by mitigating environmental risks but also by strengthening institutional capacity, empowering local communities, and driving inclusive, sustainable development across the state.