By DAYO ADESULU
NIGERIA – Engr. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has assured Nigerians that ongoing water projects will be completed to significantly boost food production across the country. His remarks came during a press briefing held by the Inter-Ministerial Committee in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
Importance of the Water Sector in National Development
In a statement signed by Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, Minister Utsev highlighted the vital role of the water sector in the Federal Government’s development agenda. He emphasized that the Ministry is dedicated to creating policies that ensure sustainable access to safe water, addressing various social, cultural, environmental, and economic needs.
Key Achievements in Water Resource Management
During the briefing, Utsev outlined several significant achievements since his appointment. These include the successful commissioning of major projects such as:
– **Rafin Yashin Multipurpose Dam** in Niger State
– **Odo-Ape Dam** in Kogi State
– *Lessel Earth Dam** in Benue State
Additionally, he noted that the **Mangu Dam** in Plateau State and the **Adada Dam** in Enugu State are nearing completion, representing crucial infrastructure for water management and irrigation.
Ongoing Irrigation Projects to Support Agriculture
Minister Utsev also discussed various irrigation projects currently underway, which are aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. These include:
– Adarice Irrigation Project** in Anambra and Enugu States
– Bakolori Irrigation Project** in Zamfara State
– Dadin Kowa Irrigation Project** in Gombe State
– Middle Ogun Irrigation Project** in Oyo State
He encouraged Nigerians and investors to actively participate in irrigation initiatives and support the commercialization of River Basin Development Authorities.
Addressing Climate Change and Flooding
In light of recent flooding in Maiduguri, Utsev linked the challenges to climate change and stressed the need for rehabilitating aging dams, such as the ‘Alau Dam’. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu has established a technical committee to assess dam integrity nationwide, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing these critical issues.
Collaborative Efforts for Food Security and Sanitation
Utsev expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support of these initiatives and called for national collaboration to enhance food security and sanitation. He specifically highlighted the importance of the Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign as part of the broader strategy to improve public health.
With ongoing efforts to complete vital water projects and improve irrigation, Nigeria aims to bolster its agricultural output and ensure sustainable access to water. The Minister’s commitment to these initiatives reflects the government’s dedication to addressing food security and environmental challenges.
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