NEWMAP spent N865m on 1, 337 erosion projects  

To check gully erosion, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, (NEWMAP) has spent a total sum of N865million to 1,337 Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) in the country.

National Project Coordinator for NEWMAP, Salisu Dahiru explained at the 2017 World Space Week in Abuja that the amount was spent on resettlement of loss lands, houses, economic trees, among others.

He disclosed that over N140million was expended as grant to 4,194 beneficiaries on livelihood enhancement activities, while fuel efficient cooking stoves were also distributed to communities in 21 states.

“There has been a positive progress in various activities with Hydro met and Automated Flood Early Warning system included in the project, such as installation of 19 meteorological stations in AIRBDA and CRBDA”, he said.

Dahiru stressed that the space week will provide a forum for China, India and Nigeria, and World Bank to interact and discuss best practices in geospatial technology and transfer of applied research and development results.

“We have benefited from a wide range of experts from Chinese and India governments, in terms as academic, and watershed and producer groups for infrastructure and climate smart agriculture”, he added.

He further expressed delight that NEWMAP has in less than five years recorded evidence-based success stories in improving the livelihoods of Nigerians thereby impacting positively to environmental sustainability.

On his part, the World Bank representative, Dr. Kofi Nouve expressed delight to work with Nigeria in convening a knowledge fair to share South-South experiences across China, India, and Nigeria as well as showcase other examples of global good practice.