Surveyor Suleiman Hassan Zarma, Honourable Minister of Environment has expressed delight on the implementation of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). This he stated recently during his visit to the project National Office in Abuja.
The Minister was particularly happy that the project is readiness driven and has expanded from 7 initial states as at 2013 to 20 states in partnership as a result of success stories achieved by the seven (7) initial states.
Surveyor Suleiman also commended the project for being the catalyst towards the issuance of Nigeria First Green Bond which would support projects in: environment (reforestation – Jathropha); agriculture (climate smart activities – biofuel/ Jathropha); power (off-grid solar); and Federal Capital Territory (energy efficiency-transportation). Currently, there are 19 projects identified for funding from Green Bonds with a total cost of just over USD 100 million.
The National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP, Mr. Salisu Dahiru while giving a run-down brief on NEWMAP implementation activities from inception reiterates the role of the project in ensuring environmental sustainability by restoring degraded lands.
According to him the project became effective in September 2013 and this was considered by many as timely when all past efforts have failed to yield the required purpose. At the onset many states applied to partner with the project.
He said the project performance has been satisfactory and is working in accordance to it development objectives.
He said the project performance has been satisfactory and is working in accordance to it development objectives.
