Editor
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Power, has taken a major step to bolster food security and ensure a reliable power supply.
This milestone was achieved with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two ministries for the implementation of the hydropower component of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project.
This was revealed through a press statement on Tuesday signed by
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director Information and Public Relations. The statement stated that the signing ceremony was held today in Abuja at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
The MoU aims to enhance water security by improving the resilience and management of water resource infrastructure, with a focus on irrigation systems, hydropower, and dam safety.
It also seeks to foster institutional collaboration and capacity building to promote water-efficient, climate-resilient food production and sustainable energy generation.
This partnership reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development by integrating water resource management with renewable energy solutions to address pressing challenges in agriculture and energy infrastructure.
Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to boosting food production and improving livelihoods while ensuring access to potable water. He described the SPIN Project as a critical initiative for advancing these goals and elevating the sector’s performance.
He further noted that the SPIN Project, funded by the World Bank, is strategically designed to strengthen food security and enhance water accessibility, especially for underserved communities, thus driving sustainable development and economic growth.
Prof. Utsev highlighted the achievements of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, which has significantly improved food production and job creation across the country. With TRIMING set to conclude in January 2025, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving SPIN as its successor, ensuring continuity in the water sector’s growth.
The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, emphasized that the SPIN Project underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing hydropower development.
He highlighted hydropower’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, meeting energy demands, and supporting sustainable development.
Chief Adelabu pointed to the recently enacted 2023 Electricity Act, signed by President Tinubu, which opens new opportunities for state governments and private sector investment in the power sector.
He expressed confidence that the SPIN Project aligns with the decentralized, liberalized model of electricity generation, promoting diverse energy sources, including hydropower.
Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, noted that beyond hydropower, the SPIN Project will deliver critical benefits, such as improved irrigation and protection against floods and droughts.
In her remarks, Mrs. Yvonne Odu-Thomas, Director of Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, highlighted the collaborative roles of both ministries. She stated that while the Ministry of Water Resources oversees dam safety, the Ministry of Power is responsible for hydropower implementation, ensuring a unified approach to project execution.
The Chairman of the SPIN Preparatory Team, Engr. Dahiru Abdulkareem, provided an overview of the project, emphasizing its strategic importance.
The event culminated in the signing of the MoU by the two ministers, witnessed by World Bank representatives and other distinguished guests. This partnership sets a solid foundation for achieving sustainable food production, energy security, and economic growth in Nigeria.
