By George George Idowu
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has emphasized the need for additional funding from World Bank to support the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN) as well as strengthen food security nationwide.
He made this call on Monday during a courtesy visit by Mr. Ndiame Diop, the incoming Country Director of the World Bank to Nigeria, in his office in Abuja.
He outlined the project’s potential to generate employment for youths, enhance power generation, boost economic growth, and ensure food security.
Utsev highlighted the pivotal role of adequate resources in driving food security initiatives, which in turn can create employment opportunities and contribute to reducing crime across the nation.
He emphasized the importance of forging a strong partnership between the World Bank and the Ministry to effectively pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Similarly, in recognizing the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, for his valuable contributions, Utsev conveyed gratitude and well wishes for his future endeavors.
He also extended a warm welcome and assurance of collaboration to the incoming Director for them to achieve shared objectives.
On the part of the the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Alh. Aliyu Shehu Shinkafi, he emphasized the need for streamlined administrative processes within the World Bank to expedite fund disbursement for project execution.
In response, Diop, expressed eagerness to strengthen the partnership and continue collaborative efforts with the Ministry.
He emphasized the importance of sustained financial support to drive the Ministry’s projects and programs forward.
Chaudhuri, the outgoing World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s partnership and highlighted the nation’s progress in the Water and Sanitation sector.
He assured continued support from the incoming Director to further advance Nigeria’s development objectives, particularly in enhancing food security and sustainable development.