FG, European Bank Launch Erosion Control Programme

Federal government in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) has launched an erosion control and climate resilience programme in Kaduna State.

It is part of measures to address worsening gully erosion and its impact on vulnerable communities.
The national project coordinator of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Mr Ayuba Yalaks, disclosed this at a two-day scoping mission to the state yesterday.

He said the visit is to assess Kaduna’s readiness and validate intervention sites under the EIB-supported initiative.

“This visit marks a significant step in rolling out the EIB-backed erosion and climate resilience drive in Kaduna. The state has met all requirements, including counterpart funding, site eligibility, and institutional arrangements,” Yalaks said.

The team visited erosion hotspots at Unguwan Barde in Chikun LGA and Hayin Danmani in Igabi LGA, both identified as priority sites due to their risk severity.

“The Hayin Danmani gully is a rapidly advancing ravine threatening lives, homes, and infrastructure. Its environmental and socio-economic impact demands urgent intervention,” he said.

Yalaks also noted that the project had achieved both technical and disbursement effectiveness and would move to full-scale implementation following a formal launch in Abuja.

“Kaduna has taken the lead. Physical works will begin immediately after the Abuja launch. This is not just a technical project — it’s a social and economic lifeline. We need community cooperation to deliver it successfully,” he added.

State project coordinator for NEWMAP Kaduna, Mr Gideon Sachi, said the state had fulfilled all preparatory obligations.

“We have provided our counterpart fund, secured office space, deployed vehicles, assigned staff, and completed preliminary designs at the selected sites,” he said.

Sachi said the first phase would address 12 priority erosion sites across the three senatorial zones.

“While over 500 gully sites have been identified statewide, only those meeting NEWMAP-EIB’s technical criteria will be tackled in phases,” he added.