By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The European Investment Bank-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) on Monday commenced a five-day Capacity Building and Project Implementation Readiness Workshop in Asaba, Delta State, bringing together participants from the 23 project participating states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
The high-level workshop, which runs from Monday, May 18 to Thursday, May 21 2026, is being held under the Joint Mission of the Government of Nigeria (GoN), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), and State Project Implementation Units (SPIUs).
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, charged participants to fully embrace the technical and operational requirements of the European Investment Bank project framework in order to ensure effective project delivery, sustainability, and global best practices.
Yalaks stressed the need for participants to deploy their technical expertise and institutional knowledge in driving the project implementation process in line with international standards and the expectations of the European Union.
According to him, the workshop provides a rare opportunity for state actors and implementing agencies to interact closely with international partners, deepen their understanding of project procedures, and strengthen collaboration for the success of the intervention programme.
He noted that the project represents a major opportunity for Nigeria to tackle erosion, watershed degradation, and climate adaptation challenges through sustainable and professionally managed interventions.
The National Project Coordinator further urged participants to take the workshop seriously, particularly in the areas of procurement planning, compliance with project rules, and implementation procedures, stressing that accountability and professionalism remain critical to the success of the programme.
Also speaking, Senior Project Manager of UNOPS, Mr. Donato Serena, said the project was gradually transitioning from the preparation stage to full implementation, adding that UNOPS had been fully mobilized to support the Federal Government of Nigeria in achieving the project’s objectives.
Serena explained that the training was designed to reinforce collaboration and alignment among the FPMU, SPIUs, and UNOPS, while also building practical capacity in procurement, engineering, environmental and social safeguards, finance, monitoring and evaluation, and project management.
He emphasized the importance of effective communication among all stakeholders, describing the workshop as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and practical application of project management principles.
According to him, the workshop will also expose participants to field realities through scheduled site visits across Delta State, while strengthening engagement with state authorities and critical stakeholders.
He disclosed that the workshop agenda includes intensive sessions on project management, procurement planning, donor compliance procedures, and technical discussions aimed at preparing participating states for seamless project execution.
In his goodwill message, the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Tommy Jamani, welcomed participants to the state and expressed appreciation to the organizers for choosing Delta as host for the strategic mission.
Represented by the Delta State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, the commissioner assured participants that Delta State remains peaceful, secure, and conducive for engagements of such international magnitude.
He noted that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has continued to provide the enabling and secure environment for developmental programmes and international partnerships to thrive in the state.
Jamani further encouraged participants to take advantage of the workshop to exchange ideas, strengthen institutional relationships, and contribute meaningfully toward addressing environmental and climate-related challenges across Nigeria.
The workshop is expected to equip participating states with the technical readiness and implementation capacity required for the successful rollout of the NEWMAP-EIB intervention projects nationwide.