FG Encourages States and Local Governments to Leverage Dams and Reservoirs for Food Production
By George George Idowu
Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has urged state and local governments to tap into the stored bulk water in dam reservoirs to support the nation’s food security efforts.
He made this appeal on Thursday at the opening of the 30th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, themed ‘People, Planet and Prosperity: Promoting Water Governance for National Food Security.’
According to the minister, the ministry is faced with the challenges of the non-utilization of the impounded bulk in the various dam reservoirs.
He highlighted the negligence of other tiers of government in shying away from their responsibilities and duties.
Prof.Utsev said that to arrest this ugly situation and achieve the required benefits of which these dams were created, there is a need for effective collaboration amongst various stakeholders in the water sector.
He also urged the state and local government ls to leverage on the available water resource infrastructure that has been provided by the federal government at their various domain in order yo yield economic growth.
The Minister also announced the allocation of 15,000 hectares of irrigable land to farmers.
He underscored the critical importance of food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, inclusivity, and security as top priorities sanctioned by President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
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“Irrigation and Food Security are intrinsically linked, and irrigated agricultural practices play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy,” Utsev stated.
He highlighted completed irrigation schemes such as the Hadejia Valley, Kano River, and Gari projects, facilitated through the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, as key components of the government’s strategy.
Furthermore, Utsev outlined the Ministry’s ambitious plan to develop an additional 15,000 hectares of irrigable land, with completion slated by the third quarter of 2024.
Aligning with the Tinubu-led administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, the Ministry aims to develop 500,000 hectares of land by 2030 to bolster sustainable food production and security.
In a bid to enhance legislative frameworks, Utsev reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to engage with the 10th National Assembly for the passage of the Water Resources Bill, essential for establishing effective regulatory mechanisms in Nigeria’s water sector.
Moreover, the Ministry’s endeavours extend to energy generation through hydropower projects, with 110 megawatts already concessioned and plans for additional capacity to meet Nigeria’s energy demands.
Utsev also emphasized the Ministry’s achievements in sanitation, highlighting the construction of over 9,198 sanitation facilities across 127 Local Government Areas, benefitting approximately 550,820 individuals.
The ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ Campaign, initiated in 2019 with the aim of ending open defecation by 2025, remains a focal point for the Ministry’s sanitation efforts.
The Ministry’s comprehensive approach underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable water governance and fostering national food security, aligning with broader developmental objectives.
