Editor
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev, has delineated pivotal initiatives to enhance food security in Nigeria.
Addressing the press at the Inter-Ministerial Committee’s briefing for the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Prof. Utsev underscored the indispensable role of the water sector in the Federal Government’s agenda.
He highlighted that the Ministry is tasked with formulating policies to ensure enduring access to potable water, catering to a spectrum of social, cultural, environmental, and economic exigencies.
Prof. Utsev enumerated various significant accomplishments since assuming office, including the inauguration of the Rafin Yashin Multipurpose Dam in Niger State, the Odo-Ape Dam in Kogi State, and the Lessel Earth Dam in Benue State, among others.
He also indicated that the Mangu Dam in Plateau State and the Adada Dam in Enugu State are on the verge of completion.
Regarding irrigation, he spotlighted ongoing endeavors such as the Adarice Irrigation Project in Anambra and Enugu States, the Bakolori Irrigation Project in Zamfara State, Dadin Kowa Irrigation Project in Gombe State, and the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project in Oyo State aimed at augmenting food production.
Prof. Utsev urged Nigerians and stakeholders to engage in irrigation initiatives and bolster the commercialization of River Basin Development Authorities.
In reference to the recent inundation in Maiduguri, he correlated the predicament with climate change and accentuated the necessity of refurbishing antiquated dams like the Alau Dam.
He also disclosed the formation of a technical committee by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess dam integrity nationwide.
Prof. Utsev conveyed appreciation to the President for his backing of these initiatives and appealed for national collaboration to enhance food security and sanitation, particularly through the Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign.
The press briefing heralded the commencement of activities for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
