WorldStage– The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has inspected the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam at Otobi Akpa in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, assuring residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to the project’s timely completion.
The visit formed part of the Minister’s nationwide inspection of dams, irrigation, water supply and sanitation projects, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to promote sustainable water resources management and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
Speaking during the inspection on Thursday, January 22, Prof. Utsev said the President had directed a comprehensive assessment of water facilities across the country to address persistent challenges in water supply and sanitation and to deliver meaningful development to communities.
He explained that the inspection tour was aimed at identifying critical areas requiring urgent intervention, particularly uncompleted dams, facilities affected by siltation, and structures facing potential risks.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, technical directors and community leaders, the Minister noted that upon completion, the Otukpo Dam would deliver far-reaching benefits. These include a reservoir capacity of 130 million cubic metres, a 3.3-megawatt hydroelectric power plant, potable water supply, irrigation of about 2,000 hectares of farmland, and the construction of 13 kilometres of internal access roads. He added that the project would also generate employment and boost irrigation, power generation, tourism and overall socio-economic development.
Prof. Utsev disclosed that the project scope covers the construction of a 22-metre-high earth-fill dam embankment stretching 2,468.64 metres, ground exploration works, a stepped concrete spillway, spillway bridge, inlet and outlet structures, hydropower facilities, and a 13.30-kilometre access road.
He further explained that technical assessments of the aquifer system in Zone C of Benue State showed that completing the Otukpo Dam remains the most viable and sustainable solution to the area’s water challenges. According to him, water from the dam would be reticulated to communities in Zone C and extended to parts of Zone B.
Assuring residents of the Federal Government’s resolve, the Minister said President Tinubu is responsive to the needs of Nigerians and that the inspection was to determine the extent of outstanding works to enable the immediate resumption and completion of the project.
He urged the people to continue supporting the administration, stressing that all necessary measures would be put in place to ensure the dam is completed on schedule.
During the visit, the Minister and his delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Akpa District, Otukpo Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Chief Wilson Ahola. Prof. Utsev reiterated that the President specifically directed him to inspect the Otukpo Dam in view of the prevailing water challenges and to ensure lasting solutions.
He added that the President appreciates the support of the people of Otukpo and assured that all issues affecting the speedy completion of the project, including security concerns, would be decisively addressed. He also encouraged residents to actively participate in the ongoing nationwide e-registration exercise.
In his response, the Head of Otobi Ward, Chief Pius Aholah, commended the Minister and his team for the visit and conveyed the community’s appreciation to the President. While welcoming the assurances, he expressed concern over recurring attacks by unknown gunmen in the area and appealed for the urgent establishment of a police post to strengthen security.
Other officials on the inspection included the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Dallah; Director of Water Supply, Mr. Mukaila Segun Babarinde; Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi; Director of PPP, Engr. Zachaeus Akinjogbin; National Project Coordinator of SPIN, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya; and other senior officials of the Ministry.
