The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has affirmed that a partnership with the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) will enhance sugar production in Nigeria, drive economic growth, and create employment opportunities.
This statement was made during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, and his team to the Minister today in Abuja.
Professor Utsev highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring a sustainable water supply to sugarcane farms and factories across the country. He emphasized that a steady water supply is critical for maintaining consistent production level in the sugar sector.
He disclosed that the partnership will focus on addressing water supply challenges, ensuring that both farms and factories have access to adequate water resources to boost production and meet local demand.
The Honourable Minister also informed the NSDC team that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had constituted a Dam Review Committee to assess the status of dams nationwide. He added that the committee has already visited several dams, and its recommendations, which are expected to yield significant benefits for all Nigerians, are currently being compiled.
Professor Utsev further explained that one of the mandates of the Dam review Committee is to critically evaluate the desilting of major rivers, dams, and reservoirs across the country to ensure an unhindered water supply, which will also help mitigate flooding and support economic growth
The Minister assured the NSDC of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with private sector partners to achieve the federal government’s goals. He expressed confidence that the development of the sugar sector will create more jobs for Nigeria’s growing youth population, contributing to the nation’s overall prosperity.
In his remarks, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, Executive Secretary of the NSDC, underscored the importance of this partnership in securing a sustainable water supply for sugarcane farms and factories. He also appealed for the approval of critical infrastructure projects, including the construction of a canal and the dredging of the Kiri Dam, which are essential for increasing sugar production and reducing the country’s reliance on sugar imports among others.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and Public Relations
