NEWMAP alleged N60b Enugu erosion control project false, misleading – Obetta

Dr. Vincent Egechukwu Obetta, the former project coordinator of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, in Enugu State, has refuted the claim that N60 billion was approved, released, and contract awarded for erosion control projects in four designated sites in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. The civil rights group had previously sued NEWMAP and the Federal Ministry of Environment, alleging that the sum was spent while the projects in Enugu North Senatorial zone were abandoned.

The case is still pending before the Enugu Division of Court of Appeal, as the Federal High Court declined to compel NEWMAP and the Ministry to make their contract records available to the plaintiffs. Obetta described the report as false and misleading, stating that only one contract worth one billion, four hundred million naira was awarded for the Onuiyi-Nsukka section of the gully erosion control project.

He also mentioned that the Alor-uno section did not receive the necessary 'no objection' from the World Bank, preventing its execution. Obetta further explained that the procurement processes for NEWMAP-IDA contract awards include obtaining 'no objection' from the World Bank, state Executive Council approval, and a bidding process.

None of these activities were conducted for the other project sites. He concluded by emphasizing that NEWMAP-IDA closed in September 2022, with all financial obligations audited and discharged by the World Bank, and no funds remaining unaccounted for.