By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has announced major milestones in water resources, sanitation, irrigation, dam development and hydropower projects, as the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, outlined the Ministry’s achievements during a Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Abuja.
Top among the updates is the completion of the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant, which has begun supplying the national grid. With additional contributions from the Gurara and Dadin Kowa Dams, Nigeria now generates a combined 110MW of clean hydropower.
The Minister also reported significant progress on key dams, including Mangu (90%), Adada (78%), and Ogbesse (65%), alongside rehabilitation works at Tiga, Challawa Gorge and Ruwan Kanya.
He disclosed that public–private partnerships have generated over ₦7 billion through the concession of the Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant and the Kashimbilla Integrated Agro-Allied Airport, while plans are underway to concession additional projects such as Farin Ruwa, Katsina-Ala, Dasin Hausa, Manya, Bawaku and the Azare–Jere Irrigation Scheme.
On irrigation, the Ministry has delivered 2,000 hectares to farmers at the Dadin Kowa Irrigation Scheme, advanced work at the Middle Rima and Middle Ogun systems, and expanded micro-irrigation initiatives across Jigawa, Oyo, Kwara and Kebbi States.
In water supply and sanitation, more than 6,700 water schemes and 500 new rural water projects have improved access nationwide.
The Clean Nigeria Campaign now records 162 open-defecation-free LGAs, supported by the construction of 5,238 sanitation facilities and the completion of new water-quality laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia.
The Minister also highlighted recent flood-management efforts driven by the 2024–2025 Flood Outlooks, including the National Flood Insurance Programme, the Niger Flood Project and the Integrated Climate Resilience Innovation Project. He clarified that no water has been released from the Lagdo Dam.
He added that the SURWASH and PEWASH programmes continue to strengthen WASH services, while the National Water Resources Institute has trained over 1,500 youths and the NIWRMC has issued 24 water-use licences.
River Basin Development Authorities have also expanded irrigable land by 154,000 hectares, benefitting more than 1.6 million farmers.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to complete the Adada, Mangu and Ogbesse Dams by 2026, fully operationalise the Kashimbilla water-supply network, scale up micro-irrigation schemes and enhance citizen engagement platforms.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, assuring stakeholders that their contributions will inform ongoing reforms.
In a vote of thanks, Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo appreciated stakeholders from civil society, communities, development partners, the private sector, academia and the media for their input, noting that their perspectives will shape more inclusive policies.
The event concluded with an interactive session where participants provided recommendations to guide sector reforms, reinforcing collaboration across Nigeria’s water and sanitation ecosystem.