The Federal Government has inaugurated the Boards of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) to further boost the prudent and resourceful management of the water sector.
Inaugurating the Board on Thursday 22nd February, 2018 in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu, FNSE said that the parastatals and agencies under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources were established to provide the necessary legal framework for the discharge of their respective mandates.
Adamu stated that in respect of the River Basin Development Authorities,(RBDAs) the Federal Government is poised to increasing the irrigable land from 130,000 hectares to 500,000 hectares in the next 14 years with the entire requisite infrastructure. According to him, it would support food production, enhance national food security and socio-economic development.
He charged all the Chairmen and Members of the Boards to live to full expectations of Mr. President as the cardinal focus of this administration is anchored on the diversification of the economy through agriculture.
Continuing, the minister said that the Federal Government has embarked on a number of policies, programmes and projects committed to the development of the water sector. “All these would achieve an integrated Water Resources Management”, he said.
While delivering his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Musa Ibrahim, charged the Chairmen and Board members to ensure good governance in their respective organizations in order to actualize the dreams of the present administration especially in promoting economic growth, food security and prosperity for Nigerians.
Responding on behalf of the Chairmen and members of the newly inaugurated Boards, the Chairman, Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Hilary Ekeh thanked the Federal Government for their appointment and pledged to uphold the policies and programmes of government towards a better life for all Nigerians.
Margaret E. Umoh
Director (Press & Public Relations Unit)
