By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
Communities ravaged by gully erosion in Nasarawa State may soon see relief, as the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP–EIB) has promised rapid intervention to address the worsening environmental crisis threatening lives, farmland, and infrastructure.
During an intensive inspection of erosion hotspots in Lafia and Keana local government areas, the Project Coordinator, Dr. Muhammed Ismail, gave firm assurances that the project, backed by the European Investment Bank, is on track to launch major erosion control infrastructure across the state.
“We are fully committed to changing the story for these communities,” Dr. Ismail declared in a statement issued by the project’s Communications Officer, Mu’azu Jibrin Madaki.
“Our goal is to act swiftly and decisively to protect the environment and safeguard the future of generations to come.”
He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for showing strong political will by releasing counterpart funding early, describing it as a “game-changer” for project execution.
The NEWMAP-EIB initiative has earmarked eight critical erosion sites for immediate intervention— with Lafia expected to receive the most extensive work due to the sheer size and scale of gully devastation in the area.
Dr. Ismail noted that the project’s success hinges on collaboration, praising the synergy between the Project Team and the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, led by Dr. Margaret Elayo, who also chairs the State Steering Committee.
Dr. Elayo, who joined the project team on the inspection tour, called for urgent pre-intervention awareness campaigns to educate affected communities on the dangers of unchecked erosion and the importance of environmental stewardship.
“This is more than a development issue—it’s a wake-up call for all of us,” she said.
“Erosion is displacing families and destroying farmland. We must act now, together, to reclaim our environment and restore hope.”
Visibly shaken by the scale of erosion witnessed in parts of Lafia, Dr. Elayo reaffirmed the governor’s unwavering commitment to tackling the crisis and expressed full confidence in Dr. Ismail’s leadership to drive impactful change.
“We have the right team. We have the right support. Now, we must deliver,” she added.
For many erosion-hit communities in Nasarawa, this intervention signals a new chapter of restoration and resilience. What was once seen as an unstoppable force of nature may soon be contained through science, strategic planning, and political will.
As the project prepares to break ground, residents in Lafia, Keana, and other affected areas are being urged to embrace awareness campaigns and join hands with officials to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
The battle against gully erosion in Nasarawa is far from over, but for the first time in years, hope is on the horizon.