Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu, has applauded the Federal Government for releasing 100 percent Capital budget to the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).
In a press statement issued at the weekend and signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, the Minister said the RBDAs received their full capital funding for 2020 and 2021 financial years.
Engr. Adamu gave the insight on Thursday in Abuja during his first interactive meeting with the Managing Directors of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities in the new year, 2022.
He emphasised that since the RBDAs are being properly funded, the Managing Directors should ensure prompt execution of projects in line with the Water Resources Roadmap already instituted by the Ministry.
The Minister also directed the RBDAs to undertake adequate publicity of their projects and achievements to enable Nigerians appreciate and take ownership of the positive developments recorded in the Nigerian Water Resources Sector.
The Honourable Minister equally advised the Managing Directors to implement the new Procurement threshold with caution and professionalism to ensure faster and more efficient projects and programmes delivery.
Speaking on security challenges, community farm land disputes and other forms of agitations, Engr. Adamu advised the Managing Directors to always collaborate with State Governments and report security breaches to appropriate Security Agencies.
He stressed the need for RBDAs to relate robustly with State Governments in their catchment areas.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Didi Walson- Jack said the Federal Ministry of Water Resources is the first among the MDAs to carry out the Rewards and Recognition System for deserving Staff.
He urged the MDs to reguakrly measure the performances of their personnel and reward them accordingly for greater motivation and efficient service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman, Forum of MDs of RBDAs, Prof. M. A. Ali who is the MD of Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, expressed deep appreciation to the Honorable Minister and the Permanent Secretary for the interactive meeting.
He noted that it is a wakeup call for the RBDAs to scale up their activities expediently in order to achieve more milestones in line with this administration’s policy.
In attendance at Meeting were Director, River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, Mr. John Ochigbo and all the Managing Directors of the River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria.
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