By Abdullahi Lukman
Water production in Kaduna State has increased from eight percent to over than 30 percent in the last two and a half years, following major investments and reforms in the water sector, according to the state governor, Uba Sani.
The governor disclosed this while receiving the management of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Kaduna.
Sani said his administration inherited a water sector weakened by years of neglect, with non-functional treatment plants, damaged distribution networks and severely reduced output.
He added that the state is targeting full water coverage by late 2026.
The governor disclosed that the state government has embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of water infrastructure, committing between N93 billion and N100 billion to the sector between 2024 and 2027 to guarantee sustainable access to clean water.
He said over N5 billion has been spent on replacing pipes vandalised or damaged during urban renewal projects in Zaria and Kafanchan, while an additional N10 billion is being invested in replacing critical pipelines in Kaduna metropolis.
Sani also disclosed that N1.4 billion has been invested in water treatment chemicals and N1.3 billion paid to clear outstanding electricity bills to ensure uninterrupted pumping operations.
He added that the government has settled more than N900 million in salary arrears owed to staff of the Kaduna State Water Corporation.
As part of efforts to improve staff welfare, the governor said land has been allocated for a mass housing project in Millennium City for water sector professionals.
On capacity building, Sani said the state would partner with the NWRI to strengthen manpower development and ensure sustainability of reforms, noting that land has been allocated for the establishment of NWRI centres in Zaria and Kachia.
Earlier, the Director-General of the NWRI, Abduljalal Danbaba, said the institute has academic and research mandates and coordinates activities across Nigeria’s 12 river basins.
He said the institute, recognised as a World Meteorological Centre in Africa, plans to expand enrolment and will provide subsidised short-term training opportunities for Kaduna State officials.
