Tinubu Renews Hope of 1.6 Million Farmers – Minister

By Abbas Nazil
More than 1.6 million farmers across Nigeria have benefitted from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s water and sanitation agenda, according to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev.
Speaking at the National Press Centre in Abuja on Friday, Utsev outlined the ministry’s achievements over the past year, highlighting significant progress in water supply, sanitation, dam construction, irrigation, and flood control projects.
The minister revealed that over 628 water supply schemes have been completed under the administration, directly serving more than 450,000 Nigerians.
In terms of agricultural impact, irrigation infrastructure has been expanded to cover over 395,000 hectares of farmland, improving livelihoods and food security for millions.
Among key infrastructure projects commissioned last year are the Rafin Yashin Multipurpose Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Dam in Kogi State, and Amila-Otukpo Dam in Benue State.
These projects, the minister said, are providing crucial water resources for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.
He explained that the Rafin Yashin Dam alone delivers more than 3,700 cubic meters of water daily, significantly boosting local agricultural productivity.
In the energy sector, Utsev stated that the ministry has successfully concessioned the 14-megawatt Kashimbila Hydropower Plant and is finalizing efforts to add another 460 megawatts of electricity through dam-based energy sources.
The ministry is also encouraging public-private partnerships to not only improve electricity access but also to support rural industries and facilitate the transport of agricultural produce.
Furthermore, seven major water supply projects have been completed, including the Biliu Community Water Project in Jigawa State and the Kasuwan Water Project in Yobe State.
These projects now serve over one million people, supplying a combined 3.2 million liters of clean water daily.
Efforts are also being directed at underserved communities such as the NYSC camp in Obau, Edo State, where a new water scheme was recently deployed after a ministerial visit.
Utsev also addressed sanitation, noting progress under the national “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign.
In 2025 alone, 14 local governments have achieved open defecation-free status. The campaign targets both infrastructural deficits and traditional practices that hinder hygienic sanitation.
On the issue of flooding, the minister confirmed that studies are ongoing for the construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State to manage water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
He said in Mubi, which was heavily affected by flooding last year, President Tinubu has approved funds for reconstruction and flood mitigation projects.
Looking ahead, the Minister announced the launch of the World Bank-supported Spring Project by July 2025.
The initiative aims to rehabilitate dams and irrigation systems across 16 states including Kano, Niger, Gombe, Benue, and Sokoto.
This follows the earlier success of the TRIMING (Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria) Project.
Under the Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management framework, 24 water licenses have been issued, generating over N4.64 million in revenue.
The National Water Resources Institute continues to train professionals, while affiliated agencies such as the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency support flood forecasting and climate resilience.
Utsev reiterated the ministry’s vision to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation for all Nigerians, while strengthening infrastructure to support agriculture, public health, job creation, and national development.