The Federal Government has highlighted key milestones in water resources, sanitation, and agricultural development at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s two-day interactive session held at Arewa House, Kaduna, from July 29 to 30, 2025.
Themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity”, the forum brought together stakeholders to evaluate government performance and promote civic participation.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, it was revealed that the event’s third plenary session focused on Agriculture and Food Security. The session featured high-level participation from the Honourable Ministers of Water Resources and Sanitation, Agriculture and Food Security, Livestock Development, and Environment, as well as representatives from key development agencies and agricultural committees.
Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, outlined the Ministry’s progress from May 2023 to May 2025, including: Expansion of potable water supply and irrigation infrastructure., Strengthening of climate resilience measures. And Increased hydropower generation capacity.
He emphasized that the revitalization of River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs)—especially the seven located in Northern Nigeria—is instrumental to driving agricultural productivity, climate adaptation, and economic empowerment. These efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Food Security Strategy.
Prof. Utsev also noted that RBDAs are creating job opportunities for youth and women across the country. On dam infrastructure, he disclosed that President Tinubu has inaugurated a high-level committee to assess and optimize dam performance nationwide.
He announced that the contract for the reconstruction of Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State, has been signed, with contractors already mobilized on-site. Once completed, the dam will bolster irrigation farming and hydropower generation in the region.
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In a nod to inclusivity and regional representation, the Minister highlighted that key leadership positions in agencies under the Ministry—such as the Integrated Water Resources Institute, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and the Nigeria Institute of Water Resources, Kaduna,are held by Northerners.
He added by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandate to ensure access to clean water, sanitation, food security, and sustainable development across Nigeria.
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