The Federal Government has unveiled plans to rehabilitate existing dams and construct new ones across the country as part of efforts to strengthen food security through irrigated agriculture and expand hydropower generation.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday during an assessment tour of the Azare-Jere Irrigation Project and the Gurara Multipurpose Dam in Kaduna State. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, and some technical directors.
According to a statement signed by Terhemen Oraduen, Personal Assistant to the Minister, Prof. Utsev said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which mandates the ministry to enhance food production, generate renewable energy, and create employment opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
“The visit is to assess existing facilities, determine their operational status, and identify areas requiring prompt intervention,” Utsev said, noting that several multipurpose dams across the country have been earmarked for rehabilitation, while new ones—including those along the Sokoto–Badagry Highway—will be constructed to boost irrigation and increase hydropower supply to the national grid.
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The Facility Manager of the Azare-Jere Irrigation Project and the Gurara Multipurpose Dam, Engr. Gazali Tukur Mohammed, noted that insecurity remains a major challenge affecting the smooth operation of the projects. He, however, assured that the management team remains committed to ensuring consistent water supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas.
Both projects, developed by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation—have some components concessioned to Grams and Abel under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for enhanced management and maintenance.
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