Editor
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, has lauded the World Bank for its substantial contributions to Nigeria’s progress, particularly in the realms of sustainable infrastructure and water resource management.
This commendation was extended on Wednesday, during a courtesy call by the World Bank Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Chakib Jenane, accompanied by senior management personnel of the World Bank including the Country Director Ndiame Diop.
The purpose of the visit was to deliberate on key World Bank-supported initiatives in Nigeria and to announce the recent approval of a $500 million loan for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project in Nigeria (SPIN).
In the meeting, Prof. Utsev conveyed Nigeria’s gratitude for the World Bank’s ongoing support on projects that significantly impact the lives of Nigerians.
He assured the delegation that all policies and projects endorsed by the World Bank would receive corresponding support from the Nigerian government, particularly projects falling within the realm of technical expertise to ensure their successful realization for the benefit of all Nigerians.
He also underscored the urgency of completing the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to meeting the project’s deadline of January 2025.
The Honourable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, also expressed appreciation to the World Bank team for approving the SPIN project.
He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to collaborative endeavors to ensure the project’s success, emphasizing the Ministry’s resolve to effectively oversee its implementation.
World Bank Regional Director for Sustainable Infrastructure Development for West and Central Africa, Chakib Jenane, shared the positive news of the World Bank’s endorsement of the $500 million SPIN project, granted during the World Bank Board meeting on September 26, 2024.
He stressed the importance of Nigeria continuing preparations to meet the remaining conditions necessary for the project’s effectiveness, scheduled for January 2025.
In addition to the SPIN project, the World Bank team deliberated on the TRIMING project, nearing its completion, and provided updates on the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, underscoring the significance of involving more states in the initiative.
The World Bank team encouraged the Ministry to consider establishing a National WASH Fund, a goal to be accomplished by the Ministry under Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 1 of the SURWASH program.
