The Federal Government has flagged off the Bela Dam Project and launched the pilot Kaukau Drip Irrigation scheme in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State on Tuesday , 3 February 2026.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for the Bela Dam in Bela Community, Bichi Local Government Area, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, described the project as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable water management and agricultural development.
He noted that the multipurpose dam, with a storage capacity of 775,000 cubic metres, is designed to address perennial flooding challenges while enhancing irrigation, domestic water supply, fisheries, livestock production, and other agricultural activities.
According to the Minister, upon completion, the Bela Dam will improve livelihoods, boost food production, and expand economic opportunities for the host community, while advancing climate resilience and sustainable agricultural growth in line with the Federal Government’s development agenda.
He urged the host community to support the successful execution of the project and safeguard the facility to ensure it delivers long-term benefits.
“As a nation, we can transform our water resources into powerful drivers of prosperity, food sufficiency, and national development,” the Minister said.
During the visit, the Honourable Minister also launched a pilot drip irrigation scheme at Kaukau in Bichi Local Government Area and performed the symbolic planting of crops alongside the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, and Technical Directors from the Ministry, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to practical, results-driven agricultural interventions.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of HJRBDA, Engr. Suleiman Yusuf Bichi, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, for their bold initiatives and unwavering support aimed at achieving food sufficiency and strengthening agricultural production nationwide.
On the Minister’s entourage were Mr. Emmanuel Agbir, Representative of the Permanent Secretary; Engr. Christy Oduh, Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate; Engr. Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage; and Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply Services, among others. The ceremony was also attended by village heads, youths, women, and farmers from the community.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
4 Feb, 2026
