NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Dasin Hausa Dam completion a top priority- FG

Dasin Hausa Dam completion a top priority- FG

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to completing the Dasin Hausa Dam project in Adamawa, calling it a top priority to address water scarcity and enhance flood control in vulnerable rural communities.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja on Friday.

He noted that the renewed focus on the dam was timely, following the devastating floods of 2024, which displaced many residents after the Alau Dam overflowed.

According to him, the Dasin Hausa Dam will act as a buffer against future flooding while supporting irrigated agricultural development.

He added that a transactional adviser has already been appointed for the project.

Utsev said the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially priority three, which focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security.

He stated that three major multipurpose dams had been completed and commissioned in Niger, Kogi, and Benue, as part of the ministry’s achievements from 2023 to date.

Utsev further disclosed that the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant in Taraba was concessioned under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, generating over N7.1 billion in commencement fees for the federal government’s special concession account.

He added that two other major hydropower projects; Katsina-Ala (460MW) in Benue and Farin Ruwa (20MW) in Nasarawa were at various stages of PPP concession.

“These projects contribute not only to electricity generation but also to the transportation of agricultural produce and the development of cottage industries in rural areas,” the minister stated.

On irrigation, Utsev said the ministry had completed four major projects, including the rehabilitation of 9,490 hectares at Bakolori in Zamfara and 2,100 hectares at Dadin-Kowa in Gombe State.

He added that micro-irrigation systems had been established in Oyo and Jigawa to promote all-year farming through the use of solar-powered boreholes and greenhouses.

The minister noted that seven water supply projects had either been completed or were nearing completion, benefiting more than one million people.

“These include the Gashua and Potiskum water supply schemes in Yobe State and a water facility at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Abuja”.

Utsev also stated that more than 560 water schemes were implemented in partnership with state governments and donor-supported programmes.

He emphasised that access to clean and safe water was a fundamental human right, noting that the ministry had scaled up collaboration with sub-national governments and development partners to expand access to solar-powered water systems in underserved areas.

Utsev announced that an additional 40 local government areas had attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the national total to 142.

He added that the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign had been intensified through public awareness jingles in five Nigerian languages and the construction of sanitation facilities in schools and public places across 23 states.

The minister also revealed that a revised Clean Nigeria Campaign Implementation Strategy (2025–2030) had been launched to guide progress towards making Nigeria Open Defecation Free.

“We are not just building toilets; we are restoring dignity. Improved sanitation positively affects public health, school attendance especially for girls and overall community well-being,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to people-centred policies aimed at promoting economic stability.

He urged the media to report such developments responsibly and with a sense of patriotism.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was also attended by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NIHSA unveils hydro club to promote water sustainability

NIHSA unveils hydro club to promote water sustainability

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By Akpan Glory

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has unveiled the NIHSA Hydro Club to engage young people in water resource management, environmental conservation, and climate resilience.

The initiative was unveiled on Friday at Government Secondary School (GSS), Kubwa, Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, Technical Adviser Jabo Maigima noted the growing environmental challenges facing Nigeria, including climate change, water scarcity, and ecological degradation.

He emphasised the role of young people in promoting sustainability, noting that the club would equip students not only with scientific knowledge but also with a sense of responsibility.

“Through the NIHSA Hydro Club, you are not just learning about the science of water resources, you are becoming advocates for conservation, for wise usage, and for the protection of our ecosystems,” Maigima said.

He outlined several benefits of the club, including skills development, civic responsibility, exposure to new opportunities, teamwork, and confidence building.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Director Abdulkadir Mohammad, from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, stated that the Hydro Club would serve as a hub for research, innovation, and capacity building.

He noted that the club would nurture future professionals who would contribute not only to water security but also to national development.

“To manage water efficiently, we must invest in technologies that enhance our capacity to predict, plan, and protect.

“Real-time data, smart hydrological networks, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence must form an integral part of our national water strategy”.

Mohammad warned that water scarcity is already a reality in homes, on farms, and in industries across the country.

He cited rising population growth, urban expansion, and the intensifying effects of climate change as key drivers of increasing demand amid limited supply.

He also spoke on the challenges of flooding, noting that it is no longer a seasonal occurrence but has become erratic and destructive, leading to the displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods, and setbacks in development.

“To effectively address flooding, we must prioritise Integrated Flood Management, combining infrastructure such as dams and drainage systems, with nature-based solutions, including wetland restoration, watershed protection, and afforestation,” he said.

Mohammad called for greater community participation, particularly among young people, encouraging Hydro Club members to lead flood awareness campaigns, conduct local surveys, and advocate for change.

“Water is not only a social good; it is an economic driver, efficient water management supports agriculture, generates hydroelectric power, strengthens manufacturing, and sustains public health and sanitation. It underpins every aspect of our economy”.

In his remarks, the Principal of GSS Kubwa, Mr Anderson Oseh, thanked NIHSA for selecting the school as the launch site for the Hydro Club. He pledged to ensure the sustainability of the club’s activities.

“We will ensure that every student participates in the club’s activities, not only to educate our pupils but also to spread the message to other schools,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Inefficiency, poor coordination affecting Nigeria’s water policies—-Stakeholders

Inefficiency, poor coordination affecting Nigeria’s water policies—-Stakeholders

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By Suleiman Shehu

Stakeholders have identified inefficiency, poor coordination and monitoring as well as gender inequality as some of the factors affecting various water policies in Nigeria.

They stated this at a Stakeholders Validation Workshop and Capacity Needs Assessment on Integrating Gender in Nigeria’s Water Sector Policies and Governance on Tuesday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The workshop was attended by researchers, Non-Governmental Organisation, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), government officials from Oyo State Women Affairs Ministry, and Ministry of Environment among others.

Ms Sarah Appiah, a Research Officer with IWMI, said that the organisation discovered that various policies within water sector in Nigeria were outdated and need to be reviewed.

Appiah said that the review must integrate gender in water policies in Nigeria and address other socio-economic issues affecting the non-mainstreaming of gender equality in policy formulation.

She said that policies within water sector in Nigeria must have strategic means of addressing some of the challenges to ensure accessibility and availability of water for all and sundry in Nigeria.

Appiah called on governments at various levels in Nigeria to address the noticeable gaps in various water policies in Nigeria and ensure adequate implementation, monitoring and funding.

” They must ensure that their policy design, implementation and monitoring take into consideration some of those challenges and ensure gender commitment at the national level is what is being implemented at the sectoral level.

“If we aim to achieve gender equality then sectoral policies must align with national gender policies to ensure that national commitment towards gender are actually inculcated into sectoral policies within the water sector,” she said.

In her remarks, Dr Adepeju Badmus, an Agricultural Economist at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, said that Nigerians, especially women, were facing huge challenges with respect to access to water.

Badmus said that women in Nigeria need water especially during their menstrual period and child bearing and it was a challenge when potable water was not easily accessible and available.

According to her, water is essential and critical in the life of both men and women, but women suffer more when it’s not accessible and availabile.

She underscored the need for government to mobilise resources to tackle the challenges.

Also, Mr Adegoke Ayodele, a Director at the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Oyo RUWASSA) said access to potable water was still a challenge in the state and government would continue to do its best to address the challenges.

In her comment, Mrs Shontonwa Roagess, Director Quality Control, Oyo State Water Corporation, said policies of government especially on water must be effectively implemented and women mobilised in its implementation.

Roagess said that making potable water available in the state still remained a challenge, “but the the corporation intends to do more in making water available to all.”

Highlight of the programme was an overview of policy innovation initiative and summary of flagship report policy coherence given by Dr Charity Osei-Amponsah of IWMI. (NAN)(www. nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Delta governor seeks quick completion of dam

Delta governor seeks quick completion of dam

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By Ifeanyi Olannye
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the Ogwashi-Uku Dam project to realise its economic value for local communities.

He made the appeal during a visit by the Benin-Owena River Basin Authority, led by Managing Director and CEO, Dr Femi Adekanbi, to Government House, Asaba.

Oborevwori congratulated Adekanbi on his appointment and encouraged him to justify the confidence reposed in him by the President and the authority’s leadership.

The governor expressed hope that the dam would be completed by October, adding it would help resolve water supply issues in Ogwashi-Uku and 16 nearby communities.

“I urge you to ensure the dam’s completion. Our Agro-Industrial Park in the area depends on it,” he told the authority’s delegation.

Oborevwori said his administration remained committed to state development and had approved water sanitation departments across all 25 local government areas in Delta.

In response to issues raised by the authority, he promised to address employment concerns and the water situation affecting Ute-Okpu community.

He reassured the delegation of Delta’s relative peace and ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.

Delta, he said, remained one of the most peaceful in the South-South, with several expatriates working there as evidence of security stability.

“Security challenges are not unique to Delta. We’ve made progress, but some achievements are kept off the media to protect investigations,” he added.

Oborevwori thanked the authority for presenting locally produced garri and urged expansion of production, especially for rural areas.

“We will support you because your success is our success,” the governor affirmed.

Earlier, Adekanbi commended the governor for infrastructure progress across the state and pledged support in tackling food insecurity.

“Our aim is to partner Delta to address food crises across Delta, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti,” Adekanbi said.

He said the authority is prioritising commercial rice production and has partnered with the NDE to train youths as agricultural entrepreneurs.

Adekanbi clarified that the Ogwashi-Uku Dam structure is complete, but water reticulation is still pending final works.

“Once finished, the dam will supply water to Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South,” he said.

He also praised the governor’s efforts in promoting youth empowerment and agricultural development across Delta State. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Kebbi set to implement 0m SURWASH programme

Kebbi set to implement $700m SURWASH programme

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By Ibrahim Bello

The Kebbi Government has expressed its readiness to fully implement the $700 million Federal Government–World Bank-assisted Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, made this known while receiving a joint delegation from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the World Bank in Birnin Kebbi.

He reaffirmed the state government’s strong commitment to the full and successful execution of the project.

“The administration of Gov. Nasir Idris is determined to meet all the requirements of the programme, including the necessary budgetary provisions.

“In return, we expect the sponsors to also fulfil their obligations to ensure the success of the scheme,” he stated.

Earlier, the Team Leader and National Coordinator of the SURWASH Programme, Alhaji Abdulhamid Gwaram, said the team was in Kebbi to carry out an assessment of the state’s water sector, an essential step in the programme’s implementation.

“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources recognises Kebbi State’s commitment to the water supply, sanitation, and hygiene project.

“The state has successfully completed the eligibility phase and is now in the second round, progressing towards the final stage of readiness and access to funding.

“The programme operates on a results-based financing model, where access to funds is contingent upon evidence of effective implementation and impact.

“We are confident that Kebbi State possesses the capacity, capability, and commitment to deliver,” he added.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Bello Ka’oje, commended Gov. Idris for his dedication to collaborating with both the Federal Government and the World Bank to improve sustainable water supply and sanitation across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Oyo Govt. pegs borehole drilling costs at N14,000 per meter

Oyo Govt. pegs borehole drilling costs at N14,000 per meter

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By David Adeoye

The Oyo State Government has established a controlled rate of N14,000 per meter for groundwater abstraction, also referred to as borehole drilling, statewide.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, disclosed this on Thursday in Ibadan, during an interactive meeting with groundwater abstraction stakeholders.

Mogbonjubola explained that the meeting was convened to address the challenges faced by groundwater abstraction practitioners and collaborative solutions for the sustainable management of vital resources.

According to him, engaging with the industry stakeholders is crucial to bringing sanity to the system and ensuring a balanced approach that benefits both drilling rig owners and middle-level practitioners.

The Commissioner maintained that Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration prioritised the provision of potable water to residents, using every feasible strategy.

“This is why the government has created a favourable environment for individuals who can afford to drill boreholes in their communities,” he stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Foundation donates boreholes to communities in Jigawa

Foundation donates boreholes to communities in Jigawa

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By Aisha Ahmed

The Ike Odoeme Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, on Tuesday donated two hand-pumped boreholes each to Facawa and Riniyal communities in Ringim Local Area (LGA) of Jigawa.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Programmes for the Foundation, Miss Suzie Agas, said the donation was part of its efforts to complement the government’s initiative in providing potable water to underserved communities.

The Director stated that the donation was also part of the foundation’s activities to mark World Water Day, observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and promote sustainable water management.

Agas said that concerted effort was required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of providing safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, as government alone cannot handle the situation.

She said that the donation was in recognition of the need to ensure that hinterland communities had access to clean water, regardless of their location and status.

According to her, their findings reveal that the communities, predominantly composed of farmers, herders, and traders, lack access to water, which is crucial for sustaining their livelihoods.

“Water is fundamental to public health and economic development, but unfortunately many communities have challenge in accessing safe and clean water.

“Lack of access to clean water leads to water borne diseases, lack of productivity and limits opportunities for children to focus on their education.

“At the foundation, we believe that development enters meeting the basic needs of people, so we have worked closely with community leaders, to ensure the boreholes are strategically located.

“The boreholes are not just about providing water but also aimed at improving the overall well-being of the people, `she said.

She commended the local government authority, community leaders, and members for partnering with them in securing a safe location for the project and for their hospitality throughout its execution.

She, however, appealed to the community to take ownership of the boreholes by maintaining them and using the water responsibly.

In his remarks, the District Head of Sankara, Alhaji Yusi Ahmed, said the two communities, located in an arid zone, had long suffered from water shortages because previous boreholes in the area could not provide a reliable water supply.

He urged the residents to maintain the boreholes properly to ensure they last longer than the previous ones.

On his part, the Chairman of Ringim, Mr Badamasi Dabi, commended the foundation for its intervention, stating that the local government remained committed to collaborating with non-governmental organisations for community development.

Dabi pledged the council’s continued support for vulnerable communities in the local government to foster the overall development of the state.

Speaking on behalf of women, Mrs Jamila Saidu thanked the foundation for its intervention, noting that it would prevent children from arriving late to school, due to long trips to fetch water.

“Most of our children have obtained scars due to physical fights at places to obtain water, also, some times, they go to school without taking a bath or having drinking water, “ she said.

NAN reports that the foundation also donated 100 bags of 5Kg of rice to the communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Martha Agas/Gabriel Yough

Kano State invests N1bn on water supply system upgrade

Kano State invests N1bn on water supply system upgrade

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By Aminu Garko

The Kano State government has spent over N1 billion on purchasing ten high-capacity water pumps to revamp the state’s water supply system.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Umar Doguwa, said this while inspecting the pump machines at the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant.

Doguwa highlighted the critical water shortage in Kano that prompted Gov. Abba Yusuf to take decisive action.

“As an engineer himself, the governor personally assessed all water treatment plants in the state and identified faulty raw water pumps as the primary issue,” Doguwa said.

He explained that six pumps, each with a capacity of 110 kilowatts, would be installed at the Challawa Water Treatment Plant, while four pumps, each with a capacity of 160 kilowatts, would be installed at the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant.

Doguwa warned industries, commercial centres and individuals abusing treated water, particularly those diverting it for farming activities to desist or face the wrath of government.

“People are yearning for drinking water, yet some individuals illegally channel treated water to their farms.

“We are investigating those responsible, and if necessary, we will seize lands found engaging in such practices,” he said.

He also lamented the issue of water theft, where people siphon water from hydrants meant for emergency use, warning that surveillance efforts were underway, and that anyone caught in the act would be penalised.

The commissioner urged all industries and commercial establishments in the state to settle their water bills promptly, stressing that the era of free access to government water is over.

He disclosed that the government had embarked on a project to restore pipe-borne water to Dambatta Town, which had been without public water supply for nine years.

Doguwa assured residents of the town that significant progress had already been made, and that their water supply would soon be restored.

“We are not rushing this project; we want to do quality work that will stand the test of time. With the governor’s mandate, we will ensure every town in Kano gets adequate water supply,” he added. ( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Sokoto govt. takes action against water scarcity

Sokoto govt. takes action against water scarcity

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By Habibu Harisu

Sokoto State government has announced measures to address the acute shortage of potable water confronting residents, amidst high temperature of over 42 degree celsius.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that taps have gone dry and residents have been scampering to source for water wherever available.

To assuage the situation, Alhaji Yusuf Maccido, the state Commissioner for Water Resources, said the government had set up a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Gobir, to deploy water tankers across the localities to provide immediate relief to residents.

The committee would also overhaul all broken down water pumping engines and ensure the dredging of 72 earth dams in the medium and long term, Maccido told newsmen on Friday in Gusau.

The commissioner said funds had been disbursed to the committee to address the situation, adding that some water engineers and experts from Kaduna have been co-opted to support the state water board in the repair and rehabilitation of the facilities.

According to him, three of the pumping machines in Kware are being repaired to restore water supply to Sokoto metropolis.

He said that the government hopes that in the next three years, the issue of water scarcity would be fully addressed.

Maccido explained that the government plan to replace obsolete machineries and complete the dredging of Bakalori, Goronyo and Luga dams which were the main sources of raw water being processed by the state water board for supply to residents.

He added that arrangement were on to harness the Shagari dam for hydropower generation.

”We are targeting at least 80 per cent supply of potable water after rehabilitations of the systems; at present, below 20 per cent is being utilised.

”We are determined to ensure that dams, machineries and other facilities function to high capacity before the end of the tenure of the present administration,” Maccido said.

He appealed to the public to show more understanding, assuring that the government is fully committed to ending the biting water scarcity. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

FG to partially commercialise dams under its 12 river basins – Minister

FG to partially commercialise dams under its 12 river basins – Minister

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By Aminu Garko
The Federal Government is set to partially commercialise  the dams under the nation’s 12 river basins to enable them to deliver  their mandates effectively.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev,  disclosed this while speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting Tiga dam in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State on Wednesday.
The minister said the commercialisation of the basins would enable them to generate increased revenues for the Federal Government.
He assured that the huge infrastructure available at the basins would guarantee a return on investments.
He explained that the exercise would  ensure  sustainable operations and management of their infrastructure.
” The basins have huge infrastructure like water supply schemes, dams and irrigation that require good funding to be able to keep them running and to provide dividends for Nigerians.
He said the aim of the visit was to assess the state of the dam and the challenges with a view of addressing them for optimal growth.
The minister explained that the main purpose of constructing the dam was for irrigation, flood control and energy generation.
The Federal Government is ever ready to partner commercial farmers to pave the way for massive production of assorted food crops in all-year farming system.
” We are ready to partner with commercial farmers, they come and register with us, and we will allow them to tap water from the dam for commercial farming which will help immensely in enhancing food production.”
He said one of the major challenges the dam was currently facing was illegal tapping of the water from the dam by farmers.
” Farmers are tapping water illegally from the canals and this will have negative impact, hence we are working towards calling the attention of the farmers so that they will register with the government and the water would be supplied to them.
“We will also update our data base for effective service delivery,” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jamma’are River Basin, Ma’Amun Dau Aliyu, explained that more than 3 million farmers were benefiting from the Tiga Dam while hundreds of others were syphoning the water illegally.
He said the basin had since commenced moves to mobilise all those operating illegally so that they would register.
Aliyu hinted that the dam, built  50 years ago, was constructed on 1.4 billion cubic water capacity, and was done on some five million combined Kano/Jigawa population then, but still not being fully utilised.
He said Tiga Dam had canals and small dams that linked up to Lake Chad through Kamadugu River Basin in Yobe State, adding that with the commercialisation of the dam, more economic inputs would be recorded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
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