Plateau State has been listed as one of the beneficiaries of the European Investment Bank’s intervention in addressing the challenges of erosion and land degradation control in Nigeria.
The intervention project is under the auspices of the European Investment Bank-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB).
National Project Coordinator, Anda Ayuba Yalaks, made this known when he led the Federal Project Management Unit of NEWMAP-EIB on a courtesy visit to the governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang in his office in Jos, Plateau State.
Communication Specialist, NEWMAP-EIB, Madina Gertrude, conveyed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
Yalaks earlier in his remarks informed the Governor that his team was in Plateau State on a state readiness effectiveness mission to collaborate with the state government for long-term sustainable land degradation control measures, provide support to the state project management unit in accelerating the project implementation.
He added that the delegation was also to conduct on- the-spot assessment of current erosion situations within the state, and further explore best practices and interventions to mitigate the challenges.
While presenting a brief of the sites visited within the state, the NPC applauded the governor for his political will in supporting the project by releasing the counterpart fund for the project.
He further disclosed that based on the team’s observation, plateau State has met all the conditions listed by EIB for disbursement, these include: Recruitment of capable staff, a well- furnished SPMU office, availability of project vehicles, availability of counterpart fund, and identified prioritized sites for investment.
He, however, appealed to the Plateau State Governor to provide more project vehicles for the state project unit, and additional counterpart funds to enable the SPMU office function efficiently.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, , Caleb Mutfwang in his response expressed gratitude to the FPMU team for coming to Plateau for this important mission.
He also expressed optimism and readiness to provide the necessary support to ensure that the project is a success.
The meeting had in attendance, Plateau State Governor and his cabinet, the FPMU including; Engr Ayuba Anda Yalaks (National Project Coordinator NEWMAP-EIB), Mrs. Naomi Abah ( Project Accountant NEWMAP -EIB), Mrs. Zenum Kifasi, Environmental Safeguards Specialist (NEWMAP -EIB),
Mr Abatcha Gaji ,Head Admin( NEWMAP -EIB), Mrs. Gertrude Madina, Communication Specialist(NEWMAP -EIB) and Engr Ngalaku Filibus Gajere( Project Engineer NEWMAP -EIB).
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