Benin City, Nigeria — The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have intensified efforts to protect critical river basin infrastructure and strengthen food security, amid rising concerns over vandalism and encroachment affecting key agricultural facilities.
This formed the core of discussions during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City.
Recently, Utsev, who led a delegation of senior ministry officials and members of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), stressed the urgent need for sustained collaboration to safeguard vital national assets from threats that are undermining agricultural productivity.
He identified the Obayantor Integrated Farm as a major concern, noting that its operations have been significantly disrupted by vandalism, illegal encroachment, and other activities. The minister called for strengthened security presence and the support of the Edo State Government in reclaiming affected farmlands in Obayantor, Illushi-Ega, Ukpoke, Ewatto, and Lampese.
Utsev also raised environmental concerns over the operation of a borrow pit in Obayantor, urging strict regulatory compliance to prevent further degradation. He commended the governor’s earlier visit to the river basin headquarters and advocated enhanced collaboration to rehabilitate the facility as a hub for youth empowerment in agriculture and water resource management.
On infrastructure, the minister disclosed that the Jattu Dam project—jointly implemented by both governments—has recorded substantial progress. He, however, appealed to the state government to meet its 25 percent counterpart funding obligation to ensure timely completion.
He further drew attention to the threat of gully erosion at the Auchi Integrated Farm, calling for urgent intervention to protect the facility.
Responding, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Federal Government to accelerate water infrastructure development and secure critical assets.
He expressed concern over persistent vandalism and proposed the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to strengthen the protection of infrastructure and communities.
The governor also assured that the state would consider meeting its financial obligations for ongoing projects, particularly the Jattu Dam in Etsako West Local Government Area.
Earlier, the Managing Director of BORBDA, Olufemi Samuel Adekanmbi, reiterated the authority’s commitment to repositioning river basin operations as a driver of food security and economic growth.
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Adekanmbi highlighted ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency despite prevailing challenges, expressing optimism that the agency would scale up interventions to boost food production and improve livelihoods.
The visit underscores renewed federal–state collaboration aimed at protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring long-term food security in Edo State.
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