By Fatima Saka
In a strategic move to end poverty, boost food production, and drive economic development, the Federal Government has inaugurated Chairmen of the Governing Boards and Executive Management of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja on Friday, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation through its Department of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, as part of a two-day retreat.
While inaugurating the appointees, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Engr. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the water sector by appointing credible individuals to lead the RBDAs.
Prof. Utsev emphasized the critical role of the new leadership in aligning the operations of the RBDAs with national priorities for food security, job creation, and sustainable development. He noted that the retreat was designed to familiarize appointees with their roles and responsibilities and equip them to deliver results effectively.
“Appointees will be able to understand that the Board is mandated to define the mission and direction of the RBDAs, while Executive Management is responsible for operational implementation. A collaborative, respectful relationship between both arms is essential,” he said.
The Minister also stressed the importance of ethical governance, adherence to public service regulations, and a strong understanding of the River Basin Act and Water Resources Master Plan to drive innovation and strategic direction within the sector.
Highlighting key presidential priority areas, Prof. Utsev said:
“To achieve food security, there must be a deliberate commitment to expanding irrigated farming across the RBDAs. These authorities are expected to mobilize farmers and support all-season farming for increased food output.”
He outlined several flagship initiatives being implemented through the RBDAs, including:
The Partial Commercialization and Revitalization Programme for RBDAs
The Songhai Integrated Farming Model for food production and job creation
Graduate and Youth Empowerment Programmes
The River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation
The Minister also called on appointees to explore alternative funding sources, emphasizing the need for Public-Private Partnerships under the partial commercialization policy approved by the Federal Government to boost operational efficiency.
Speaking on the broader expectations, he urged focus on integrated river basin management, land acquisition for farming, improved state collaborations, compliance with procurement and financial regulations, and prioritization of staff welfare and capacity building.
On behalf of the National Assembly Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli reaffirmed the importance of the water sector in national development. He described it as a complex but vital sector, touching on agriculture, biodiversity, economic development, and ecosystem sustainability.
“You have a huge task ahead,” he said. “The Federal Government has significantly increased the ministry’s budget to N638 billion. You must justify this by reengineering the RBDAs to fulfill their mandates.”
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, reiterated the central role of the RBDAs in the Federal Government’s agenda to improve food security, irrigation, job creation, and rural development.
“Over the next two days, we’ll explore themes such as leadership, regulation, integrated management, and operational standards. These are crucial for enhancing administrative systems and ensuring tangible outcomes,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the RBDAs’ Chairmen, Dr. Amos Yusuf thanked the President and Minister for the trust placed in them. “You have set the tone for progress and synergy. We are grateful and ready to deliver,” he said.
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Also speaking on behalf of Managing Directors, Alh. Abubakar Malam, MD/CEO of Sokoto RBDA, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s food security and water resource management. “We thank the President for appointing us as custodians of this vital national mandate,” he said.
Engr. Christy Omeno Oduh, Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, in her vote of thanks, expressed optimism about the success of the retreat and reaffirmed the department’s support for the appointees in achieving sector goals.
