WorldStage Newsonline– Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s (FG) commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to drive Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Director General of ICRC, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, and his team to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Prof. Utsev emphasized the importance of PPPs in accelerating access to water and sanitation infrastructure nationwide.
He noted that private sector engagement remains crucial for sustainable development, particularly through the River Basin Development Authorities.
“Our collaboration must be sustained to fast-track access to safe water, improved sanitation, and increased food production,” the Minister stated.
Highlighting the Ministry’s National Campaign to end Open Defecation (ODF), Prof. Utsev stressed the link between sanitation, public health, and investment readiness.
He also revealed President Tinubu’s directive for a nationwide assessment of all dams to evaluate their structural integrity and potential for water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydropower.
In his remarks, Dr. Ewalefoh praised the Ministry’s leadership in advancing strategic infrastructure projects aligned with both national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.
He cited key PPP-backed projects such as the Dasin-Hausa Dam, Farin Ruwa, Manya, Bawarku, Grand Katsina-Ala, Kashimbila Airport, and Gurara II Dam as examples of successful collaboration.
Dr. Ewalefoh advocated for deeper partnerships in rural water development, dam rehabilitation, sanitation upgrades, and hydropower expansion.
He also proposed the adoption of innovative PPP models, including a National Sanitation Framework, desalination projects, bulk water supply initiatives, and smart utility systems.
He concluded by urging the River Basin Development Authorities to actively participate in the upcoming PPP National Summit on June 14, 2025, to forge stronger partnerships and attract critical investment into the water and sanitation sectors.
