Abuja: The Federal Government has announced the successful completion and inauguration of 565 water supply schemes, three multipurpose dams, four major irrigation projects, and several sanitation facilities over the past two years. This significant accomplishment was revealed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Utsev highlighted that these projects are part of the government’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). The initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on enhancing agriculture and ensuring food and water security. Among the completed projects are the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi, and Amla Dam in Benue, which are expected to support irrigation, boost electricity generation, and promote agro-industrial development.
Utsev also announced the successful concessioning of the Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba, which has generated over N7.1 billion as a commencement fee for the first five years. On the irrigation front, the minister disclosed the completion of four projects, including the Bakalori and Dadin-Kowa schemes in Zamfara and Gombe States, providing thousands of hectares of irrigated farmlands for dry-season farming. Additionally, two micro-irrigation projects have been completed in Oyo and Jigawa to support smallholder farmers.
The government has completed four major water projects in Jigawa, Yobe, and the Federal Capital Territory, with three others in Gombe and Yobe nearing completion. Through collaboration with states and partners, a total of 565 water supply schemes were constructed under the PEWASH, SURWASH, and AfDB programs, benefitting over 450,000 people. Moreover, 40 additional Local Government Areas have attained Open Defecation Free status, raising the total to 142 across the country.
Further achievements include the construction of 159 sanitation facilities in 23 states and the development of advocacy jingles in five languages, reaching over 25 million Nigerians. Utsev also mentioned the near completion of 14 dams and several irrigation projects across Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara States, as well as the award of over 100 new water supply projects set for 2024.
The ministry has commenced the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project in 20 states, aiming to modernize existing infrastructure and explore hydropower generation. Efforts are also underway to revitalize River Basin Development Authorities through partnerships with the private sector and state governments. This includes leasing 4,429 hectares of farmland to commercial farmers and developing irrigation infrastructure for 154,000 hectares, creating jobs for more than 1.6 million farmers.
Other notable activities include the issuance of 24 water use licenses by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, training of 1,377 youths in plumbing and drilling by the National Water Resources Institute, and the publication of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
The ministry plans to complete 11 new projects in 2025, launch school and public sanitation initiatives, and develop a National Framework for Flood Insurance. Utsev reiterated the ministry’s commitment to food security, job creation, and economic growth through sustainable water management. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, development partners, state governments, and the media for their support.