*As concessions of Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant, Kashimbilla Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport generate over ₦7b
WorldStage– The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to complete the Mangu Dam in Plateau State, the Adada River Dam in Enugu State, and the Ogbese Dam in Ekiti State, as well as fully operationalizing the Kashimbilla Water Supply Network by 2026.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who disclosed this on Wednesday at the Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Achievements of the Ministry’s Projects and Programmes said the Ministry was working to expand micro-irrigation schemes to enhance food security.
Speaking on major milestones in dams and renewable energy, Prof. Utsev confirmed the completion of the Kashimbilla Multipurpose Dam in Taraba State, noting that its 40-megawatt hydropower facility was supplying electricity to the national grid, with the accompanying airstrip fully commissioned.
He said, “Work is currently advancing on the water supply and treatment components that will soon provide clean and reliable water to millions of Nigerians across Taraba State and neighbouring communities.
“Together with the Gurara and Dadin Kowa Dams, these projects now generate a combined 110 megawatts of renewable energy, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s power mix and our commitment to a clean energy transition.”
The Minister further highlighted progress in other dam projects, stating that the Mangu Dam in Plateau State had reached 90% completion; the Adada Dam in Enugu stands at 78%; the Ogbese Multipurpose Dam in Ekiti State had achieved 65%; while the Farin Ruwa Dam in Nasarawa State continued to record steady progress.
“We are equally proud of the work on the Alau Dam in Borno State, which is enhancing flood control and securing potable water for the people of Maiduguri,” he added.
He also noted the completion or advancement of several smaller dams, including the Irawo Earth Dam in Oyo State, Otukpo Multipurpose Dam, Amla-Otukpo Dam, Alajue Dam, as well as rehabilitation works on the Tiga, Challawa Gorge, and Ruwan Kanya reservoirs.
Prof. Utsev said the Ministry had successfully concessioned major brownfield assets such as the Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant and the Kashimbilla Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport, in full compliance with the ICRC Act of 2005.
He added that the concessions have already generated over ₦7 billion for the Federal Government.
He emphasized the Ministry’s efforts in boosting irrigation and food security by converting irrigable lands into productive farmlands.
According to him, “At the Dadin Kowa Irrigation Scheme in Gombe State, we completed and handed over 2,000 hectares of irrigable land directly to farmers boosting crop yields and improving livelihoods in the North-East.”
He added that in Sokoto State, the Middle Rima Valley Irrigation Project had seen key components completed, while major sections are already operational.
He also noted that the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project had reached 90% completion on its power line and 80% on the solarization of sprinkler systems, significantly reducing farmers’ operating costs.
To strengthen climate resilience, he said the Ministry had expanded small-scale irrigation systems powered by renewable energy, citing completed micro-irrigation projects in Gari (Jigawa), Ipapo (Oyo), and Duku-Lade (Kwara), with additional schemes underway in Yauri, Shaga, and Ngaski in Kebbi State.
Prof. Utsev reported that over 6,700 water schemes had been constructed or rehabilitated nationwide, providing safe drinking water to more than 32 million Nigerians. Rural water supply initiatives had reached more than 2 million citizens, supported by 500 additional solar-powered schemes during the review period.
Under the Clean Nigeria – Use the Toilet Campaign, he said 5,238 public sanitation facilities had been constructed, while 162 local government areas had achieved open-defecation-free status. Two national water quality laboratories have also been established.
On Sector Central to National Development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, said the water and sanitation sector remained central to public health, economic development, food security, environmental sustainability, and overall national well-being.
She noted that the engagement forum provided an opportunity for constructive dialogue on sector performance, emerging challenges, and opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
According to her, the forum was being held in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to strengthen accountability, enhance transparency, and deepen stakeholder inclusion in implementing government policies and programmes across all sectors, including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
“The Ministry attaches great importance to the contributions of all stakeholders, and the outcomes of today’s deliberations will be carefully considered in strengthening ongoing reforms, refining policies, and enhancing programme implementation,” she said.
