The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, has pledged to complete ongoing water projects to enhance food production across the country. Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial Committee’s press briefing for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Utsev highlighted the critical role of the water sector in the Federal Government’s agenda, as stated by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan.
The Minister outlined key achievements, including the commissioning of several dams, such as the Rafin Yashi Multipurpose Dam in Niger State, the Odo-Ape Dam in Kogi State, and the Lessel Earth Dam in Benue State. He also announced that the Mangu Dam in Plateau State and the Adada Dam in Enugu State are nearing completion.
Utsev emphasized the importance of ongoing irrigation projects like the Adarice Irrigation Project in Anambra and Enugu States, the Bakolori Irrigation Project in Zamfara State, and the Dadin Kowa Irrigation Project in Gombe State, which aim to boost agricultural output. He encouraged Nigerians and investors to engage in irrigation efforts and support the commercialization of River Basin Development Authorities.
Addressing recent flooding in Maiduguri, Utsev linked the issue to climate change and stressed the need to rehabilitate older dams, including the Alau Dam. He noted that President Bola Tinubu has established a technical committee to assess dam integrity nationwide.
The Minister expressed his appreciation to the President for his support of these initiatives and called for national cooperation to improve food security and sanitation, particularly through the Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign.
