The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has explained his achievements in the last two years, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the eighth edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing held today in Abuja, the minister underscored his ministry’s unwavering commitment to delivering on the President’s vision for a healthier, more resilient, and water-secure nation through strategic policies, projects, and partnerships.
These efforts support improved water supply, sanitation, irrigation, food security, and flood resilience, consistent with the ministry’s mandate, he said.
Utsev revealed that the ministry has completed and commissioned three new dams: Rafin Yashin in Niger State, Odo-Ape in Kogi State, and Amla Otukpo in Benue State.
He noted that the concession of the 40mw Kashimbila Hydropower Plant and Agro-Allied Cargo Airport has generated ₦7.12 billion in revenue for the Federal Government.
He added that two additional dams, the 460mw Katsina-Ala in Benue State and 20mw Farin Ruwa in Nasarawa State are currently underway under public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements.
On irrigation, the minister stated that four major projects, including Bakalori in Zamfara and Dadin-Kowa in Gombe have been completed, along with the rehabilitation of 9,490 hectares of gravity-fed systems under the TRIMING Project.
These initiatives are expected to facilitate the annual production of over 100,000 metric tonnes of rice.
Micro-irrigation systems have also been deployed in Oyo, Jigawa, and other states across the country to support year-round farming.
The minister affirmed that seven water supply projects located in Jigawa, Yobe, and the FCT—have been completed, collectively serving over 1 million people.
Three additional schemes in Gombe, Damaturu, and Nguru are nearing commissioning.
Through partnerships with PEWASH, SURWASH, and the African Development Bank (AfDB), a total of 565 water schemes have been constructed, benefiting over 451,000 Nigerians.
Utsev also emphasised the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in 40 new Local Government Areas (LGAs), bringing the national total to 142.
Furthermore, 159 sanitation facilities were constructed and 38 additional projects awarded across 23 states and the FCT.
The ministry also launched the revised Clean Nigeria Campaign Implementation Strategy (2025–2030) and initiated a national media sensitisation campaign in five Nigerian languages.
He highlighted that 14 dams, including Mangu and Adada, are nearing completion, while 113 water supply schemes are currently under construction nationwide.
New projects have been flagged off in Jigawa and Benue States.
In addition, the SPIN project has been launched in collaboration with 20 states to rehabilitate critical dams and irrigation systems.
The minister commended the efforts of key agencies within the ministry, saying the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have supported over 1.6 million farmers, the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) has issued 24 licenses, while the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) has trained over 1,500 individuals and conducted dam surveys and water quality assessments.
He further noted that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has installed four weather stations, released flood outlooks for 2023–2025, and launched Nigeria’s first-ever National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP).
The minister expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership, and extended appreciation to MDAs, state governments, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media for their collaboration in advancing water and sanitation development across the nation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasised that the Ministerial Press Briefing serves as a vital platform to foster meaningful engagement between government representatives and citizens, both at home and abroad.
He stressed the importance of open communication in building public trust and ensuring transparency in governance.
A press statement from the ministry, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, pointed out that these accomplishments represent “bold strides in transforming Nigeria’s water sector to ensure sustainable access to clean water, improved sanitation, and enhanced water resource management for all Nigerians.”
Highlights of the event included presentations by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
The Ministerial Press Briefing is organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
