The Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev FNSE FNICE, FNIWE, has advocated for a substantial increase in funding to strengthen food security nationwide.
This plea was articulated on Monday during a courtesy visit by Mr. Ndiame Diop, the incoming Country Director of the World Bank to Nigeria, accompanied by his team, to the Honourable Minister.
Emphasizing the paramount significance of allocating resources towards food security, Prof. Utsev highlighted its potential to stimulate employment opportunities and mitigate criminal activities across the country.
He underscored the importance of cultivating a robust partnership between the World Bank and the Ministry to effectively pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Prof. Utsev reiterated the ministry’s expectation of additional funding from the World Bank to facilitate the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN) and expressed confidence that the project would not only create job opportunities for youths but also enhance power generation, economic growth, and food security.
In recognizing the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, for his commendable service, Prof. Utsev conveyed appreciation and best wishes for his future endeavors. He also offered encouragement and support to the incoming Director, Mr. Ndiame Diop, for a productive tenure ahead.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Alh. Aliyu Shehu Shinkafi, FCNA, emphasized the necessity of streamlining administrative procedures within the World Bank to expedite fund disbursement for project execution.
In response, Mr. Ndiame Diop, the incoming World Bank Country Director, expressed enthusiasm for a reinforced partnership and continued collaboration with the Ministry. He highlighted the importance of sustained financial backing for the Ministry’s projects and initiatives.
Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the outgoing World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, expressed gratitude to Nigeria and the Ministry for their exemplary partnership. He praised Nigeria’s advancements in the Water and Sanitation sector and assured ongoing support from the incoming Director to further propel the nation’s development objectives.
