In a decisive effort to address Nigeria’s recurring flooding issues, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on the Comprehensive Evaluation of Dams in Nigeria today, October 2, 2024, in his office in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev recalled that during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on September 23, 2024, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved two key initiatives: the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund and the formation of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on the Evaluation of Dams. These initiatives aim to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding and other national disasters while ensuring swift, coordinated assistance to affected communities.
The Honourable Minister highlighted the committee’s critical objectives, which include evaluating the structural integrity and physical condition of dams across the nation, alongside a comprehensive assessment of the socio-environmental impacts of these dams on local communities. He added that the findings of the committee will inform the development of a robust action plan to address challenges related to dam infrastructure.
He also emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to proactive disaster risk management and long-term resilience, ensuring the nation is better equipped to handle climate-induced and infrastructure-related hazards. He announced plans to establish a Project Delivery Unit (PDU) to provide technical assistance to the committee.
At the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, stressed the importance of the newly established committee in addressing and mitigating future flood disasters in Nigeria. He assured all stakeholders that the committee’s work will follow a strict timeline, reflecting urgency and responsibility. He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his swift and decisive intervention, which demonstrates the President’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people and resilience against natural disasters.
The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, emphasized the importance of the funding provided under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative for enhancing dams and irrigation infrastructure nationwide. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the success of this critical initiative, emphasizing that collective support is essential to achieving sustainable improvements.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the government’s commitment to disaster preparedness, announcing that funding has been allocated to every state of the federation for flood abatement initiatives. This funding will enhance preparedness for flood events and support the implementation of effective mitigation strategies.
The meeting was attended by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi; Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Representative of the Honourable Minister of Works; Honourable Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo; and Honourable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo Esq.; along with the Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah.
Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and Public Relations
