………..Calls on Residents to Support the Initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In continuation of his nationwide inspection tour of Federal Government projects in the water resources and sanitation sector, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, on Friday, 23rd January, inspected the proposed World Bank and Federal Government-supported Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project in Katsina-Ala, the ongoing Federal Government construction of the Ugbema Semi-Urban Water Project, and the upgrading of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme in Benue State.
Speaking at the proposed World Bank/ FG supported SPIN site in Katsina-Ala, the Minister stated that the inspection exercise was in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to assess all water supply facilities and dams across the country in order to ascertain areas requiring government intervention.
According to the Minister, the 5,000-hectare Katsina-Ala irrigable farmland, when completed, will generate gainful employment for teeming youths and significantly boost food production through year-round farming with improved yields.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government intends to concession the dam component of the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to ensure faster and seamless project delivery.
While calling on residents of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area to support the initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Utsev noted that the project, when fully developed, would generate employment opportunities for about 2,000 youths in the area.
He urged other state governments to leverage the opportunities provided by the World Bank-supported SPIN Programme and key into the initiative without delay. The Minister also highlighted other ongoing dam and irrigation projects in Benue State, including Wannune, Amgbo, Atee, Dura, and Amla dams, as well as the hectares of irrigable farmland in Makurdi.
Also speaking on the Katsina-Ala Irrigation Project, the National Project Coordinator of SPIN, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya stated that the project is specifically designed to increase food production, create employment for youths, and contribute to national development through increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
On the commencement of the project, he disclosed that implementation would begin as soon as clearance is received from the development partner.
Speaking during the inspection tour, Katsina-Ala farmers, Jude Oke and Ugbema Godfrey, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the proposed irrigation project in their community and appealed for support in the provision of farm tools, fertilizers, and other farm inputs to enhance productivity, especially during the dry season.
The Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Umobong, and some Technical Directors of the Ministry, also inspected the ongoing Federal Government’s 30,000-litre capacity Semi-Urban Water Project at Ugbema, Mbaakura Ward, Buruku Local Government Area, which was flagged off few months ago.
The inspection covered the generator house, step-down transformer, and ground and overhead tank reservoirs.
Prof. Utsev noted that the project has attained about 80 percent completion, with the remaining 20 percent covering water reticulation to the community.
While appreciating President Tinubu for the initiative, the Head of Ugbema Mbaakura Ward, Chief Zaki Dzer Ager, who spoke in Tiv, said the water project would not only provide potable water to the community but also permanently address the long-standing water challenges previously faced by residents.
The inspection team also visited the Federal Government’s ongoing upgrading of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme at Ameladu Community in Gboko Local Government Area.
According to the Minister, the Ameladu Water Scheme, when completed, will supply water to about four local government areas, including parts of Tarka and Ushongo Local Government Areas. He stated that the rehabilitation and upgrade works, which commenced about nine months ago, have reached about 90 percent completion, adding that the contractor has been directed to adhere strictly to the 18-month completion timeline.
The Minister explained that the inspection was aimed at assessing the quality of work done and ensuring compliance with approved specifications. He added that electro-mechanical components are currently being installed at the intake point along the River Benue axis.
The team concluded the inspection tour at the Amgbo Dam in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the site, the Minister disclosed that the Amgbo Dam, currently measuring about 400 metres in length, will be upgraded and expanded to 1,000 metres with a reservoir storage capacity of 1.2million cubic meters of water.
He noted that the dam will have both water supply and irrigation components and, upon completion, will generate employment opportunities for youths, serve as a tourist attraction, and supply water to the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, thereby addressing the Institution’s water challenges.
Engr. Prof. Utsev further revealed that construction of the access road to the dam site would soon commence to facilitate the movement of equipment. He also reiterated the importance of the ongoing e-registration exercise and encouraged residents to participate actively.
In his response, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Dr. Tyover Ashinya, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the planned commencement of work on the project, noting that its benefits to the institution and its students were immeasurable.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and Public Relations
23rd January, 2026
