A joint implementation support mission of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) recently took place between June 6th and 17th 2016, involving the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)/Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and the World Bank (WB). The mission took the team through the 1st mover states beginning with Edo and ending with Cross River State. As part of the mission itinerary, the team met with the States authorizing environment including members of the state’s executive as well as members of Technical and Steering Committees of NEWMAP project in the states. The Team during the period was at the Government House Umuahia Abia State on an Advocacy visit to the State Government.
Receiving the team at the Government House Umuaiha, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State in company of the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu and members of the State cabinet welcomed the NEWMAP task team to the State.
He applauded the NEWMAP concept and expressed confidence that “the future looks very bright” for the state, especially with the ongoing partnership with NEWMAP and the World Bank. He noted that the activities and concept of NEWMAP will greatly shore up the lives and living standards of the Abia people.
The mission which was led by Dr. Amos Abu of the World Bank and Mr. Salisu Dahiru NEWMAP National Project Coordinator respectively. The task team visited 3 project sites in the Abia state and had community engagements with the affected community members.
The specific objectives of the mission among others are to follow up on the status of the on-going civil works, existing contracts and consultancies. The mission also follow up on the implementation of catchment management planning as well as monitor and validate the projected disbursement profile to ensure candor and realism of disbursement projection.
