The Nigerian Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has recorded impressive achievements. He stood before Abuja’s press to share two years of solid progress, focusing on real impact. He spoke with confidence and pride, and Nigerians listened closely.
Minister Utsev has commissioned three new dams: Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger, Odo‑Ape Dam in Kogi, and Amla Dam in Benue. These projects boost water supply and irrigation. They also mark key infrastructure growth. Two more dams—Katsina‑Ala in Benue and Farin Ruwa in Nasarawa—are advancing under public–private partnerships. These will provide power and farming benefits.
In irrigation, his efforts shine again. The Bakalori project in Zamfara and the Dadin‑Kowa project in Gombe were completed. Together, they add thousands of hectares for rice production. Under the TRIMING project, gravity‑fed systems were restored on 9,490 hectares. These are expected to yield over 100,000 tonnes of rice yearly. Micro‑irrigation schemes in Oyo and Jigawa support smallholder farmers. They allow year‑round cropping and improved food security.
Minister Utsev also delivered results in water supply. Seven schemes in Jigawa, Yobe, and the FCT now serve more than one million people. Three more in Gombe, Damaturu, and Nguru are near completion and will expand access further. A total of 565 schemes were built with PEWASH, SURWASH, and AfDB support. These brought clean water to 451,000 Nigerians.
Sanitation has seen major progress as well. Nigeria achieved open defecation‑free status in 40 new local councils, raising the national total to 142. The ministry built 159 sanitation facilities in 23 states and awarded 38 more projects. These efforts support health, dignity, and better living standards. The ministry also launched an updated Clean Nigeria Campaign running to 2030. Media campaigns in five major languages are reaching millions with hygiene messages.
Looking ahead, Minister Utsev says more progress is coming. Fourteen dams, including Mangu and Adada, are nearing completion. One hundred and thirteen water supply projects are under construction across the country. Through the SPIN project, 20 states are working to rehabilitate dams and irrigation systems. These will help strengthen food security nationwide.
He praised the efforts of supporting agencies, calling them vital to success. River Basin Development Authorities have supported 1.6 million farmers. The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission issued 24 water licenses. The National Water Resources Institute trained over 1,500 professionals and conducted water quality surveys. The Hydrological Services Agency installed four weather stations, shared flood outlooks for 2023–2025, and launched Nigeria’s first flood insurance programme.
Minister Utsev thanked President Tinubu for his support. He also acknowledged teamwork from federal, state, civil society, media, and development partners. Together, they helped drive the ministry’s success. Minister Utsev’s achievements reflect Nigeria’s commitment to clean water, safe sanitation, irrigation, and climate resilience. His two‑year journey brings real benefits and sets the stage for a water‑secure future in Nigeria.
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