The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has expressed its commitment to partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Government to improve access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and flood control measures for the benefit of residents.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this known on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, at the Government House, Uyo.
In a press statement issued on Thursday by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Minister commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for hosting the upcoming 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation. He described the event as a crucial platform for advancing national progress in the sector.
Prof. Utsev reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to enhancing WASH infrastructure and flood mitigation efforts in Akwa Ibom. He noted ongoing engagements with the State Flood Management Committee to activate four pilot projects aimed at:
Implementing robust early warning systems for flood prediction and response.
Conducting community awareness campaigns to improve disaster preparedness.
Establishing capacity-building programs to strengthen local resilience.
Investing in flood defense infrastructure to mitigate flood-related impacts.
Infrastructure Development and Key Projects
Providing updates on critical infrastructure projects, the Minister revealed that the Nkari Dam is currently 55% complete and has been prioritized for completion under the present administration. With a reservoir capacity of 3.5 million cubic meters (MCM) and the potential to irrigate over 500 hectares of farmland, the dam is expected to boost irrigation farming, water supply, fisheries, and food security in the region.
In addition, the Itu Irrigation Project, one of the largest in the South-South region, remains a key initiative. Designed to develop 2,000 hectares of land for year-round agriculture and flood control, the Minister urged stronger collaboration with the state government to expedite its implementation.
Prof. Utsev announced the Federal Government’s approval for constructing two Reference Laboratories in each geopolitical zone, with Akwa Ibom selected as one of the beneficiaries. This facility will play a crucial role in testing borehole water and combating waterborne diseases.
He also emphasized the need to intensify efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2030, calling for increased sensitization and the provision of more public sanitation facilities in schools and other communal spaces.
The Minister highlighted several World Bank-funded programs aimed at improving water and sanitation services nationwide, including:
The Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH)
The Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH)
The Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project.
He urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to actively integrate these initiatives into its developmental plans. Additionally, he stressed the need to enact the Water Users Association (WUA) Law, a key requirement for full participation in the SPIN project.
Acknowledging Akwa Ibom’s strong representation in the water sector, the Minister praised the establishment of the Akwa Ibom Water Professionals Association during the 30th National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation in February 2024. He also presented a list of distinguished water sector professionals from the state, recognizing their contributions to the industry’s sustainability.
In his response, Governor Umo Bassey Eno commended the Federal Government for selecting Akwa Ibom as the host for the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation. He assured that his administration would review and support the proposed initiatives in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
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Governor Eno highlighted ongoing state-led WASH interventions, including the installation of sanitation facilities in schools. He expressed confidence that the upcoming National Council Meeting would serve as a platform for experts to align their efforts with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for the water and sanitation sector.
The courtesy visit was attended by: Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, The Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Water Resources, Members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, Directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and Managing Directors from various River Basin Development Authorities.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal and State Governments to advancing sustainable water management, sanitation, and flood control initiatives for the benefit of Akwa Ibom residents and beyond.
