The federal government says it has completed and inaugurated 565 water supply schemes, three multipurpose dams, four major irrigation projects, and several sanitation facilities within the last two years.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Utsev explained that the achievements were part of efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6.

He noted that the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, especially in boosting agriculture and ensuring food and water security.

According to him, the government has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, the Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi, and the Amla Dam in Benue.

He also announced the successful concession of the 40 MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba and the integrated Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, which generated more than N7.1 billion as a commencement fee for the first five years into the federal concession account.

On irrigation, the minister disclosed that four projects, including the Bakalori and Dadin-Kowa schemes in Zamfara and Gombe States, respectively, have been completed, providing thousands of hectares of irrigated farmlands for dry-season farming.

Mr Utsev also disclosed that four major water projects have been completed in Jigawa, Yobe, and Abuja, while three others in Gombe and Yobe were already 90 per cent completed.

He also announced that 40 additional local government areas (LGAs) have attained open defecation-free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 142 across the country.

The minister further revealed that 14 dams and several irrigation projects were near completion across Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara, while more than 100 new water supply projects were awarded in 2024.

He noted efforts to revitalise River Basin Development Authorities by partnering with the private sector and state governments.

Mr Utsev said the ministry plans to complete 11 new projects in 2025, roll out school and public sanitation initiatives, and develop a National Framework for Flood Insurance.

He thanked Mr Tinubu, development partners, state governments, and the media for their support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandate. 

(NAN)