The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has appealed for increased support from the World Bank to upgrade and construct more dams across Nigeria.
The objective, he noted, is to enhance irrigation farming, strengthen food security, and expand hydropower generation nationwide.
This call was made on Friday during a courtesy visit by a World Bank delegation to the Minister’s office. The visit was led by Engr. Chinedu Umolu, Senior Water Resources Management Specialist and Team Leader of the TRIMING and SPIN projects, alongside Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiye, National Coordinator of the SPIN project.
In a statement issued by Terhemen Oraduen, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Prof. Utsev acknowledged the World Bank’s vital support in funding critical infrastructure projects that have positively impacted millions of Nigerians. However, he emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration, especially as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizes the rehabilitation and expansion of dam infrastructure.
“With more states expressing interest in participating in the upcoming SPIN project, additional financial support is crucial,” the Minister stated. “This will enable full state-level participation, increase food production, create employment opportunities for our teeming youth, and contribute significantly to economic development.”
Prof. Utsev also assured the World Bank of continued collaboration and seamless implementation of the SPIN project across the country.
In his remarks, Engr. Umolu said the purpose of the visit was to update the Minister on the successful implementation and imminent conclusion of the TRIMING project next month.
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He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering support and commended Prof. Utsev’s proactive leadership in facilitating the launch of the SPIN project.
Umolu reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving sustainable development goals in the water and agriculture sectors, ensuring long-lasting benefits for the Nigerian populace.
