Abuja: The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the water and sanitation sector in collaboration with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). This collaboration is aimed at advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Utsev made this known during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, and his delegation to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. He stressed that strengthening ties with the ICRC is essential for expanding access to water and sanitation infrastructure across Nigeria. The minister emphasized that PPPs remain a vital strategy for mobilizing private sector involvement and investment in critical sectors.
Utsev highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration to fast-track access to safe water, improve sanitation, and boost food production. He expressed particular focus on advancing PPP models through the River Basin Development Authorities. Additionally, he outlined the ongoing National Campaign to End Open Defecation, emphasizing that a clean and healthy environment is crucial for attracting investment and improving public health outcomes.
Furthermore, Utsev disclosed that President Tinubu has directed the ministry to assess the status and structural integrity of all dams across the country. This assessment will determine their suitability for water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation. According to him, these integrity assessments will help unlock the economic potential of the dams and support the country’s broader development objectives.
In his remarks, Ewalefoh commended the ministry for its leadership in advancing key infrastructure projects that align with both national priorities and global targets, including Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). He underlined the role of PPPs in delivering impactful, transparent, and bankable initiatives, citing landmark projects such as the Dasin-Hausa Dam, Farin Ruwa, Manya, Bawarku, Grand Katsina-Ala, Kashimbila Airport, and Gurara II Dam.
Ewalefoh proposed deeper collaboration in expanding rural water infrastructure, rehabilitating dams, enhancing sanitation facilities, and scaling up hydropower initiatives. He also recommended exploring innovative PPP models such as a National Sanitation Framework, desalination projects, bulk water supply schemes, and smart water utilities under PPP arrangements. Additionally, he urged the management of the River Basin Development Authorities to participate in the PPP National Summit scheduled for June 14, 2025, to strengthen partnerships and attract greater investment in the water and sanitation sectors.
