FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – In a significant boost to its water sector, Nasarawa State has been selected as one of six states in Nigeria to benefit from the comprehensive water and Urban sanitation investment master plan, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
The National Urban Water Sector Reform Project, which will run concurrently for Six Months across the selected states- Ogun, OSUN, Akwa-Ibom, Niger, Zamfara, and Nasarawa was aimed to create a robust framework for water and sanitation development.
The initiative aligns with Governor Abdullahi A. Slue’s commitment to attract foreign investment and strategic partnerships to improve the living conditions of the citizens, particularly in the area of water supply.
A lead consulting firm, Engineering consultancy led by Professor Mustapha Hassan Bichi, has held its inaugurals meeting with the management of the Nasarawa state water Board. According to the management, the meeting focused on the project ‘s modalities and assessment of the entire water and Urban Sanitation Value chain in the state.
The General Manager of the Nasarawa state water Board, Dr. Kana Ahmed Abubakar, said that, the state government has been working tirelessly to secure support from international donors to address gaps in infrastructure and manpower development.
Dr. Abubakar expressed his sincere appreciation to the African Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for selecting Nasarawa State for this transformative project, which will produce a codified master plan for water and urban sanitation development in the State.
He further highlighted that the State has enacted comprehensive Water Laws, signed by Governor Sule, to serve as a legal framework and key instrument for attracting donor funding and technical assistance.
The General Manager also revealed plans for the New Lafia Water Scheme, proposed to be sited in Akurba, Adinre, and Azuba, which will leverage the State’s abundant groundwater resources. Additionally, Governor Sule has approved the construction of a ₦1 billion booster substation in Garaku, Kokona Local Government Area, to enhance water supply to Keffi and the 177 Guards Battalion.
In his remarks, Professor Mustapha Hassan Bichi, the Consultant Team Lead, confirmed that the African Development Bank had granted “no objection” approval for the consultancy firm to proceed with developing the Water and Urban Sanitation Master Plan for Nasarawa State. He disclosed that the team would visit key facilities of the Nasarawa State Water Board and the State Urban Sanitation Department to obtain firsthand information and data.
As part of their engagement, the consultant team also paid courtesy visits to the Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Hon. Mohammed Muluku, and the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Dr. Margaret Itake Elayo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
The inclusion of Nasarawa State in this prestigious AfDB-assisted initiative underscores Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s dedication to sustainable development, improved public services, and strategic collaboration for the socio-economic advancement of the State.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
