The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, has expressed his commitment to collaborate with the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the passage of legislation aimed at shaping the future of water management in Nigeria.
Prof. Utsev made this announcement during a familiarization visit to the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) in Abuja, accompanied by the Minister of State, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, on Tuesday.
He further affirmed his dedication to accelerating the commission’s mandate, ensuring the sustainable and efficient management of water resources for all Nigerians.
Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, acknowledged NIWRMC’s commendable achievements despite facing limitations in funding and policy-related challenges.
He emphasized that the visit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and sought the Commission’s support and guidance in fulfilling its mandate.
During the visit, the Executive Director of NIWRMC, Engr. Bashir Magashi, emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocations to enable the Commission to effectively manage water resources and enforce proper regulations.
He highlighted the Commission’s accomplishments, including the issuance of licenses, demand notices, and license revalidations, despite facing challenges posed by vested interests.
He underscored the importance of ensuring that users of raw bulk water pay appropriate charges for commercial use to enhance revenue generation.