The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, on Sunday reaffirmed commitment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advancing food security, job creation and economic growth through sustainable water resource management.
Speaking in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, Professor Utsev expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him to the Federal Executive Council, and to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, whom he described as a mentor and father figure.
He said since assumption of office, the Ministry in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda has embarked on a programme to rehabilitate existing dams while also identifying new sites for construction.
He noted that some projects have already been completed while others are at the design or construction stage.
He highlighted plans for the rehabilitation of structurally challenged dams and the construction of new ones, such as the Katsina ala Dam, which will incorporate hydropower components to boost electricity supply to the national grid.
“Nigeria has more than 400 dams, many of which require rehabilitation,” he said, stressing their importance for irrigation, water supply, hydropower generation and flood control.
He also highlighted the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) programme, supported by the World Bank, which aims to introduce hydropower components into dams, expand irrigation capacity and stimulate cottage industries in rural communities.
The Minister, who was in the state for a two-day visit, noted that he was on a sensitisation tour of Benue state.
He also showcased projects under President Tinubu’s administration, including the construction of the Buruku Bridge across River Benue, continuation of the Makurdi–Enugu road works, and the Makurdi–Katsina Ala road.
He also listed ongoing water schemes in Ugbema, Wannune, Otukpo and Amaladu, alongside irrigation projects in Makurdi, Dura, Otukpo, Wannune among others.
Professor Utsev also drew attention to the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi, formerly the Federal University of Agriculture saying work is already on to provide the institution with a dedicated mega water scheme to support domestic use, laboratory research, and irrigation, ensuring the university remains a hub for agricultural innovation.
Professor Utsev pledged intensified efforts to provide clean water and eradicate open defecation nationwide by 2030. He noted that water schemes are being accelerated across all six geopolitical zones, with communities in Kebbi, Kaduna, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, Plateau among others already benefiting.
He also noted that the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is central to this drive.
“The initiative combines infrastructure provision with public enlightenment, engaging traditional leaders, faith institutions and state governments.
“So far, 158 local government areas have been declared open defecation free. Professor Utsev expressed confidence that all 774 LGAs will achieve the target by 2030.
“Clean water fuels agriculture and industry, while sanitation safeguards public health. Together, they form the backbone of economic productivity and human dignity,” he said.
