In a concerted effort to enhance dam safety and climate resilience across Nigeria, Federal Government,through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has reaffirmed its commitment to Strengthening Water Infrastructure Under World Bank-Supported SPIN Project, convened a four-day national stakeholders’ workshop in Nasarawa State.
The event, which runs from Thursday, 26th to Saturday, 28th June 2025, is being held under the auspices of the World Bank-supported Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project.
This was disclosed in a statement by Bolanle Amadi, on behalf of the Director of the Press and Public Relations Department of the Ministry on Friday.
Announcing the commencement of the workshop,the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard P. Pheelangwah, represented by Mr. Moses Jo-Madugu, Director of Reforms Coordination, declared the session open. In his address, Mr. Pheelangwah emphasized the workshop’s significance as a platform for stakeholder engagement and strategic planning in the face of growing environmental risks.
“The SPIN Project is a vital national initiative aimed at boosting Nigeria’s capacity in irrigation, flood control, power generation, and potable water supply,” he stated. “Dam safety is foundational to achieving these outcomes and requires sustained investment in maintenance, monitoring, and emergency preparedness.”
The workshop brings together technical experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on infrastructure upgrades, modern safety protocols, and global best practices in dam management, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.
Highlighting the need for coordinated action, Mr. Pheelangwah urged participants to actively contribute to knowledge-sharing sessions and adopt practical strategies to protect both communities and critical water infrastructure. He also acknowledged the support of the World Bank and the Organizing Committee, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to building a secure, resilient water infrastructure system.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mamudah Mamman—represented by Engr. Bem Ayangeaor, Assistant Director of Renewable and Rural Power Access—reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to hydropower development and dam safety. He noted that dams are pivotal for water supply, electricity generation, flood control, and irrigation.
Alhaji Mamman also disclosed plans for a National Hydropower Development Master Plan to encourage private investment through public-private partnerships (PPPs), in line with Nigeria’s infrastructure and energy transition agenda.
Also speaking at the event, Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, raised concerns over the vulnerability of many Nigerian dams due to poor maintenance, climate change, sedimentation, and urban encroachment. He described the workshop as a timely response to these challenges and stressed the importance of modern monitoring technologies, updated safety standards, and a robust emergency response framework.
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The workshop features technical papers by renowned professionals, including Dr. Martin Eduvie, Acting Director General of the National Water Resources Institute; Engr. Daisi Alabi, Director of Dam Tech Nigeria; and other specialists in dam engineering, hydrology, and disaster risk management.
The event is expected to conclude with a comprehensive communique outlining a national roadmap for dam safety, infrastructure modernization, and climate resilience.
