The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, has outlined significant national achievements in dams, hydropower, irrigation, water supply, and sanitation, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, during the Ministry’s Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement held today in Abuja.
The Minister announced the completion of the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant, now feeding the national grid, and progress on the linked water-supply network. He added that with contributions from Gurara and Dadin Kowa Dams, Nigeria now generates 110MW of clean hydropower.
He highlighted major advancement on ongoing dams including Mangu (90%), Adada (78%), Ogbesse (65%), Farin Ruwa, Alau, and rehabilitation works on Tiga, Challawa Gorge, and Ruwan Kanya Reservoirs.He also noted that through PPPs, the Ministry concessioned the Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant and Kashimbilla Integrated Agro-Allied Airport, generating over ₦7 billion, while preparing concessions for Farin Ruwa, Katsina-Ala, Dasin Hausa, Manya, Bawaku, and the Azare–Jere Irrigation Scheme.
On irrigation, the Ministry delivered 2,000 hectares to farmers at the Dadin Kowa Irrigation Scheme, progressed works at Middle Rima (Sokoto) and Middle Ogun, and expanded micro-irrigation projects in Gari in Jigawa State, Ipapo in Oyo State, Duku-Lade in Kwara State, Yauri, Shaga, and Ngaski in Kebbi State respectively.
He highlighted that in water supply and sanitation, over 6,700 water schemes have provided safe water to Nigerians, alongside 500 new rural water projects, adding that the Clean Nigeria Campaign has achieved 162 ODF LGAs while the Ministry has also constructed 5,238 sanitation facilities, with new water-quality laboratories completed in Asaba, Delta State and Umuahia, Abia State.
Speaking on Flood management initiatives he explained that efforts include the 2024–2025 Flood Outlooks, which led to the creation of innovative flood management initiatives including the National Flood Insurance Programme, the Niger Flood Project, and the Integrated Climate Resilience Innovation Project. The Minister clarified that no release has occurred from the Lagdo Dam.
He further revealed that the SURWASH and PEWASH Programmes are delivering sustainable WASH services across the country, and highlighted that the National Water Resources Institute has trained over 1,500 youths, while the NIWRMC has issued 24 water-use licences. He also noted that the River Basin Development Authorities have expanded 154,000 hectares of irrigable land, supporting more than 1.6 million farmers nationwide.
Looking ahead, the Minister stated that by 2026 the Ministry will prioritise the completion and commissioning of the Adada, Mangu, and Ogbesse Dams; full operationalisation of the Kashimbilla water-supply network; expansion of micro-irrigation schemes; and the strengthening of citizen feedback and engagement mechanisms. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s vision to make water a driver of national prosperity through inclusive growth, clean energy, climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, emphasized that the engagement is in line with the Federal Government’s directive to deepen transparency, accountability, and stakeholder inclusion. She assured participants that their contributions will be incorporated into ongoing reforms, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based planning and efficient service delivery.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Services, Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their active participation. He acknowledged the valuable contributions from civil society groups, community leaders, development partners, the private sector, academia, and the media, stressing that their insights will help shape more inclusive and effective policies.
The event concluded with an in-depth interactive session, during which participants offered recommendations that will guide ongoing sector reforms. The forum brought together major actors across the water and sanitation sector, reinforcing collaboration and strengthening policy implementation nationwide.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and Public Relations
3rd Dec, 2025
