Water Minister Inspects World Bank–SPIN, FG Water, Irrigation Projects in Benue State
Seeks Community Support for Tinubu’s Reforms
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, has inspected major World Bank and Federal Government-supported water supply and irrigation projects in Benue State, calling on host communities to support the initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at boosting food security, employment and access to potable water.
The inspection, which took place on Friday, January 23, formed part of the Minister’s nationwide tour to assess the status of water resources and sanitation projects across the country.
Speaking at the proposed SPIN project site in Katsina-Ala, Prof. Utsev said the exercise was in line with President Tinubu’s directive to evaluate water supply facilities and dams nationwide in order to identify areas requiring urgent government intervention.
He explained that the 5,000-hectare irrigable farmland planned for Katsina-Ala would, when completed, significantly enhance food production through year-round farming while providing employment for thousands of youths.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government plans to concession the dam component of the SPIN project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to fast-track delivery and ensure sustainability.
He urged residents of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area to support the administration’s reforms, noting that the project is expected to create direct employment opportunities for about 2,000 youths.
Prof. Utsev also encouraged state governments to take advantage of the World Bank-supported SPIN Programme, stressing that early participation would accelerate agricultural productivity and economic growth.
He highlighted other ongoing dam and irrigation projects in Benue State, including Wannune, Amgbo, Atee, Dura and Amla dams, as well as extensive irrigable farmlands in Makurdi.
The National Project Coordinator of SPIN, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya, said the Katsina-Ala irrigation project was designed to increase food production, create jobs and contribute to national development through improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He added that project implementation would commence immediately after clearance is received from the development partner.
Local farmers, including Jude Oke and Ugbema Godfrey, commended President Tinubu for the proposed irrigation initiative and appealed for the provision of farm tools, fertilisers and other inputs to boost dry-season farming.
The Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, and technical directors, also inspected the Federal Government’s 30,000-litre capacity Ugbema Semi-Urban Water Project in Mbaakura Ward, Buruku Local Government Area.
He noted that the project had reached about 80 per cent completion, with outstanding works mainly on water reticulation to the community.
Expressing appreciation for the project, the Head of Ugbema Mbaakura Ward, Chief Zaki Dzer Ager, said the initiative would provide potable water and permanently address the community’s long-standing water challenges.
At the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme in Ameladu Community, Gboko Local Government Area, Prof. Utsev said the project, when completed, would supply water to about four local government areas, including parts of Tarka and Ushongo.
He disclosed that rehabilitation works, which began about nine months ago, have reached 90 per cent completion, with contractors directed to adhere strictly to the 18-month delivery timeline.
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The inspection tour ended at the Amgbo Dam in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, where the Minister announced plans to expand the dam from 400 metres to 1,000 metres, with a reservoir capacity of 1.2 million cubic metres.
He said the upgraded dam would support water supply, irrigation, youth employment, tourism and water provision to the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune.
Responding, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Dr. Tyover Ashinya, commended President Tinubu for the project, describing its anticipated benefits to the institution and students as immeasurable.
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