Gully Erosion: World Bank Gives Niger Govt $10m

By Ayodele Oni

The Niger State Government has secured a $10 million World Bank-assisted fund to combat gully erosion in parts of Mokwa Local Government Area.

A statement on Saturday by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that

Umaru Bago, revealed this during his statewide projects monitoring tour in Mokwa.

The Governor who was taken on a tour of the affected areas, including Kpege, Efu Abebe, and Eti Sheshi, all located in Mokwa Local Government Area, observed that the gully erosion has posed a significant threat to the affected communities.

To address this issue, he revealed that competent contractors with proven track records have been identified to handle the project, which is set to commence soon.

The governor urged the people of the affected communities to cooperate with and support the contractors, assuring them that his administration is committed to alleviating their suffering.

Some residents of Mokwa expressed their gratitude to the governor for his intervention, stating that the project will bring them much-needed relief from the hardship and uncertainties they have faced for many years.

The statement added that “This development is part of the World Bank’s efforts to support Nigeria in addressing its environmental challenges, including gully erosion.

“The World Bank has been working with the Nigerian government to implement the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), which aims to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds.”