The Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) has partnered with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in a bid to address the growing challenges of erosion and environmental degradation in Nigeria.
This collaboration aims to create sustainable solutions for erosion control and environmental restoration across the country.
The announcement was made by the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Yalaks, during a meeting with UNOPS representatives in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Yalaks emphasized the importance of tackling erosion at its core through a holistic approach that combines mitigation, flooding control, and land restoration.
“We are committed to environmental restoration and resilience as key components of Nigeria’s sustainable development,” Yalaks said.
“By addressing the root causes of erosion, we aim to provide long-term solutions that are both cost-effective and sustainable for the environment and local communities.”
The partnership focuses on two key components: Erosion and Watershed Infrastructural Investment, and Project Management.
These initiatives are designed to provide technical support and resources for the effective implementation of the project, ensuring that the Project Development Objective (PDO) is met.
Yalaks further highlighted the importance of community involvement, noting that when local communities are engaged and take ownership of environmental solutions, they can better manage land degradation and maintain interventions over time.
He also expressed optimism about the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian government and UNOPS, which will pave the way for the disbursement of funds for the project.
At the meeting, the Head of Operations for UNOPS in Dakar, Senegal, Mr. Houcen Agrebe shared insights into the ongoing restructuring efforts within the organization.
The restructuring is focused on improving efficiency across Africa, with leadership changes affecting senior roles.
Agrebe also noted that UNOPS’ office in Ghana, previously covering only Anglophone countries, will now extend its reach to include Francophone nations.
Despite these changes, Agrebe reassured stakeholders that the project’s objectives remain unchanged. Following the signing of the Service Level Agreement (SLA), the UNOPS Nigeria office will collaborate with the regional office in Dakar, under Agrebe’s oversight, to ensure successful project execution.
