Okpanam Erosion: Delta Commits ₦1bn Counterpart Funding to NEWMAP-EIB, Civil Works to Commence in 2027

The Delta State Government has committed ₦1 billion as counterpart funding for the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project-European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB), as preparations intensify for the commencement of civil works at major erosion sites in Okpanam.

The intervention is expected to cover the Igwogwo, Amachai/Ogbeozoma and Vanguard/Airport Area erosion sites in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, with civil works projected to commence in the first quarter of 2027.

Commissioner for Environment and Chairman of the Delta State NEWMAP-EIB Steering Committee, Hon. Moses Ogodo, disclosed this during a meeting of the Joint Steering and Technical Committees of the project in Asaba.

Ogodo said the state government had fulfilled key requirements towards the implementation of the European Investment Bank-supported intervention, including the provision of counterpart funding and additional resources for engineering designs.

He disclosed that ₦1 billion had been committed as counterpart funding, while a further ₦300 million had been spent on the engineering designs for the two approved erosion sites.

According to him, the engagement of a reputable supervising engineering consultancy firm was already being processed to review and revalidate the engineering designs ahead of the appointment of contractors for the civil works.

The Commissioner explained that the consultancy engagement was a necessary step before contractors could be engaged for the engineering and civil works at the Amachai/Ogbeozoma and Vanguard/Airport Area erosion sites.

He said the civil works were expected to commence within the first quarter of 2027.

Ogodo also disclosed that consultancy services had been advertised for the engagement of a Focal NGO for NEWMAP-EIB intervention sites and Project Affected Persons (PAPs), as well as a security consultant for the project.

The Commissioner assured residents of communities affected by the erosion menace that the state government and the donor agency would implement palliative measures at the Igwogwo and Vanguard Area erosion sites before the commencement of the major civil works.

His assurance followed a presentation by the State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, which highlighted the severe condition of the affected erosion sites.

Ogodo commended residents living around the erosion locations for their self-help efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of the erosion.

He said the Ministry of Environment, members of the State Steering and Technical Committees and officials of the NEWMAP-EIB project were working to ensure the successful implementation of the intervention.

The State Project Coordinator, Benedict Nwaokocha, expressed the readiness of the project to move into the civil works phase.

Nwaokocha said various studies required for the intervention had been carried out, including the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).

He said the studies had been undertaken to facilitate the necessary disclosure processes and compensation for Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

Nwaokocha also allayed concerns among residents over the possibility of the project being abandoned, stressing that preparatory activities had been progressing even before the formal launch of the project in Abuja on September 30, 2025.

He recalled that Delta State recently hosted a NEWMAP-EIB national workshop in Asaba, describing the event as further evidence of the state’s preparedness for the implementation of the project.

The intervention is expected to address some of the most critical erosion challenges affecting communities in Okpanam, while helping to protect residents, infrastructure and livelihoods from further environmental damage.