News Agency of Nigeria
National Hydrographic Agency targets m revenue from electronic chart
Water Resources

National Hydrographic Agency targets $10m revenue from electronic chart

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, says Nigeria can generate up to 10 million dollars in revenue annually through indigenous electronic navigation charts for West Africa’s territorial waters.

Olugbode, the Chief Executive Officer, National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), said this while speaking with newsmen on the 2025 World Hydrography Day, scheduled for June 19 to June 21 in Abuja.

He said that the global Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) market was valued at around 90 million dollars annually, adding that Nigeria’s share could be up to 10 million dollars.

“There is a revenue stream, the current electronic chart revenue market globally is over 90 million dollars.

“By the time we are fully mapped, in terms of our national waterway, we will be looking at doing close to about nine, may be 10 million dollars,” he said.

The NHA boss said that the agency had been able to scale up production of its indigenous chart from manual and paper to electronic.

According to him, the agency is targeting production of electronic charts for the West African sub-region once Nigeria completes its seabed mapping and modern chart production.

“These charts form part of the Electronic Navigational Chart Information System (ENCIS), which enables safer marine navigation.

“We are looking at this market from a regional point of view. We are not looking at just Nigeria because we know that this is a continuum,” he said.

According to Olugbode, the agency has already begun generating revenue to the Federation Account through subscriptions from vessels accessing Nigeria’s digital navigation charts.

“It is very gratifying to note that we have now started to receive revenue to the country. So, for now, we have just started. It is still trickling in.

“When you subscribe to an app, you start getting small because of patronage. The more we continue our subscription service, the more we are getting.

“The more we start getting our surveys and identifying our charts, then we start getting more revenue. Right now, we have started receiving revenues from ships making port calls in Nigerian waters.

“It functions like a digital subscription model, and the more charts we complete, the more value we can derive,” he said.

He said that beyond revenue generation, the hydrographic products also supported fisheries, aquaculture and leisure navigation.

According to him, the agency has partnered with fishing clubs, boat owners, and aquaculture enterprises to provide customised charts that guide safe operations at sea.

“It is also offering hydrographic data to coastal states for infrastructure planning and environmental protection.

“It might interest you to know that we have also started giving data to the aqua tourism industry in Nigeria.

“We have close relationships with the Yacht Club in Lagos, with the Boat Club in Apapa, for fishing, and also the Yacht Club in Ikoyi,” he said.

Olugbode said that the agency’s goal was not just limited to Nigeria but extends to enabling hydrographic development across West Africa.

“Hydrography is a shared responsibility. We are not just mapping Nigeria’s waters; we are helping neighbouring countries benefit from our expertise and tools to improve safety and stimulate blue economy development.

In addition to domestic efforts, Nigeria has committed to supporting other West African nations with survey assets, personnel training, and access to bathymetric data, in alignment with the United Nations’ Seabed 2030 initiative.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Save oceans from dangers of plastic waste, French Govt. urges global community
Water Resources

Save oceans from dangers of plastic waste, French Govt. urges global community

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By Aderogba George
The French Government has called for global synergy among the countries in Africa and western world to save the oceans from the dangers of plastic waste.
Jean-François Hasperue, the Deputy Ambassador, French Embassy in Nigeria, made the call during a plastic waste awareness programme at the French Institute in Abuja.
Hasperue said the call for a united front become necessary as plastic waste had become one of the most pressing environmental crises facing the globe, with oceans bearing the brunt of the escalating threat.
“So, there is need for Nigeria, the rest of Africa and the global community to mobilise resources, policies and collaboration to save the oceans from the dangers of plastic waste.”
The envoy explained that from floating debris to microplastics embedded in marine organisms, the evidence of damage on the oceans has been overwhelming.
“Our panellists were explaining that the microplastics that are eaten by fish in the lagoon of Lagos might be eaten by people in Asia because fish have been taken by foreign boats and sold everywhere in the world.
So, it’s a global issue that we need to address. One specific issue of course we decided to address within the UN conference in Nice, is the one of Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ)
This is because it has been for too many years, a gap in which we have not been able to raise cooperation among countries to save these biggest parts of the oceans.
“And I expect that we will announce that we have reached the 60 signatories for ratification by the end of this week. So, the BBNJ will be able to be implemented starting from January 1, 2026.’’
According to Hasperue, the French Government is raising awareness in Nigeria particularly in Nigerian universities as part of global strategy to build capacity of students and also to rally support for empowering global local communities.
‘’We are part of a global strategy of France, because of course we would like to act at different level. We act first globally, and that’s why we decided to welcome the UN Conference on Ocean, which is actually happening in Nice from the June 9 to 13 this very week.
“And that’s why in the wake of this global conference, we wanted here in Nigeria and in Abuja to organise at our level a debate, but not only a debate here, but activities all over the month of June.”
The envoy said the French Government had not less than 11 activities happening in six different states in Nigeria.
According to him, the first of all the activities is to raise awareness in Nigeria, and also rally support for empowering global local communities.
Hasperue underscored the importance of the UN Ocean Conference to addressing the dangers of plastic waste on oceans, noting that awareness creation remains very critical to ending the menace.
‘’We have to take into consideration that plastic, although it has been a solution at some point of history, that it has been now so massive, so huge, that it has become a problem.
“So, now we have to better think how to better produce plastic, how to make sure that plastic is better recycled, and how we make sure that it will less affect all life all over the world.
“They are part of a global strategy by France to not only act at the global level, but also at the level of the communities.
“So, we have a double approach, top down, but also a bottom up, to make sure that we create the link between what we are doing on the global stage to raise awareness.”
According to him, this has a translation down to the local communities. In every country, we are working with the governments and civil society organisations.
The envoy added, “The French Government is helping Nigerian universities with recycling plastic and micro plants as well as funding of projects in the universities.
“We have a fund of 750,000, 100,000 euros now, which is about helping universities in recycling plastic. So, within this project, we have two micro plants that will be given to Nile University and UNILAG to recycle plastic within the universities.
“We are also funding a project in five different universities.’’
Also speaking, Sebastien Bede, the Attaché for Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation at the French Embassy, pointed out that the French Government has been cooperating with Nigerian partners to develop projects and implement solutions to plastic waste.
“So, we have this project we call the French Embassy Fund to actually develop and implement solutions to tackle plastic pollution in Nigerian university campuses. And the idea is threefold.”
According to him, the two universities: UNILAG, Nile University in Abuja, will be equipped with micro-plants to recycle plastic. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
World Ocean Day: HOMEF, FishNet advocate protecting oceans to sustain planet
Water Resources

World Ocean Day: HOMEF, FishNet advocate protecting oceans to sustain planet

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By Nathan Nwakamma
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and FishNet Alliance have called for the protection of oceans as a panacea to sustain planet Earth.
The two organisations made the call on Sunday as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Ocean Day.
Miss Kome Odhomor, Media/Communications Lead at HOMEF, quoted Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director, HOMEF, an ecology focused group, as saying that the oceans play significant roles in environmental and climate systems.
Bassey also underscored the importance of the World Ocean Day, celebrated annually on June 8, to drum support for the protection of oceans.
He noted that the oceans and other water bodies were continuously subjected to barrage of assaults at local, national, and international levels.
According to him, the concept that the ocean recycles itself and acts as a greenhouse gas sink has been misconstrued to mean that the ocean can filter and clean itself no matter what is dumped in it.
“The oceans and other water bodies have become dumpsites for all sorts of polluting and extreme exploitation.
“There are several unusual activities going on in our waters that must not be allowed to continue if we want a healthy ocean and planet.”
Bassey also said that corporate interests have been substituted for national and people-centred interests, as communities living along the coasts bear the brunt of such abnormalities.
“Now is the time for all to rise to the occasion to protect the oceans. The continued burning of the Ororo Oil well over a period of five years is a sad commentary on our waters,” he said.
The HOMEF executive director further said that beyond the ocean’s diverse faces, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern, the ocean was connected to and interacts with other comparatively smaller surface water bodies, like the seas, gulfs, bays, lagoons, estuaries, and groundwater systems.
He explained that the oceans ecosystems supply a substantial amount of oxygen to the atmosphere and offer various services that ensure the survival of all species on Earth.
He noted that as the world observes World Ocean Day with the theme “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”, it was time for humans to reflect on their exploitative, violent, and destructive relationship with the ocean and embrace a new beginning.
Similarly, Stephen Oduware, Coordinator of the Fishnet Alliance, a network of fishers across Africa, said that industrial fishing takes place in the ocean.
“The two major sides of the ocean bordering Africa, the Atlantic and Indian, along with their associated gulfs, are experiencing shortfalls in fishing due to vested and powerful interests.
“Industrial fishing, including the use of bottom trawlers, is partly responsible for unsustainable fishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the region.
“These practices not only harm fishes but also harm the ocean and create imbalances in the ecosystems the ocean supports.
“These unchecked activities in the territorial waters of Africa must stop.
“Let’s protect the ocean and force others to respect it because we are the ocean; we are part of the ocean family,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
Zulum, Shehu urge FG to fast-track Alau Dam project to avert looming disaster
Water Resources

Zulum, Shehu urge FG to fast-track Alau Dam project to avert looming disaster

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By Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana  Zulum of Borno and the Shehu of Borno, Alh. Abubakar El-Kanemi, have appealed to the Federal Government to fast-track the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam.

The duo made the appeal when the Shehu paid the traditional Sallah homage to the governor at Government House, Maiduguri, saying such was necessary to avert another Borno flooding disaster.

Zulum, who expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the project, warned that at the dawn of this year’s rainy season, urgent action was needed.

According to the governor, fast-tracking the project would prevent a repeat of the 2024 flood disaster which devastated Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.

“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.

“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project. I assure you I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President.

“In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam,” Zulum said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had earlier this year approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam.

The intervention was aimed at mitigating a repeat of the dam’s collapse incident, which culminated in the severe flooding and damages that ensued.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in March to mark the official commencement of the project.

Zulum also pledged to connect all local government headquarters in the state to the national electricity grid before the end of his administration.

He further assured the Shehu that once the Pulka Quarry plant was completed, massive road rehabilitation work would commence across the state.

“These are two critical issues dear to me. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah.

“Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed.

“We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka Quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state,” he said.

Zulum thanked the Shehu and the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation with his administration.

In his remarks, the Shehu said the Sallah homage had been a long-standing tradition and commended the governor for the unprecedented development strides recorded across the state.

He also stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to expedite action on the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.

“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat. The Federal Government must act immediately,” he said.

He said the recent flooding in Mokwa was a warning about the looming threat that the people faced if swift action was not taken to complete the Alau Dam project.

The traditional ruler also urged the governor to follow up the issues of oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas with the Federal Government.

NAN reports that Zulum also received Sallah homage from various delegations, including the University of Maiduguri;  Kashim Ibrahim University; and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Others are Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

FG dismisses claims linking Mokwa flood to dam failure
Water Resources

FG dismisses claims linking Mokwa flood to dam failure

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By Akpan Glory

The Federal Government has refuted claims that the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger, was caused by the release or failure of water from nearby dams.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said both the Kainji and Jebba dams remain structurally sound and fully operational.

”It is important to clarify that the flooding in Mokwa was not the result of any water release from the Kainji or Jebba dams.

”Both facilities are intact and pose no risk to surrounding communities,” the minister stated.

Utsev expressed the federal government’s sympathy to the Government and people of Niger, especially the communities affected by the disaster, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 29.

He commended the swift response of the state government, local authorities, and first responders for providing relief to victims.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, the flooding was largely due to heavy rainfall associated with extreme weather conditions driven by climate change, which overwhelmed the town’s drainage infrastructure.

He explained that unregulated building activities and encroachments blocked a seasonal tributary of River Dingi, which normally remained dry except during periods of heavy rainfall.

According to him, the absence of efficient alternative drainage channels worsened the situation.

The minister also recalled that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), under the ministry, had warned of potential flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area as part of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released on April 10.

”The AFO identified 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as high flood-risk zones. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs were listed as moderate risk.

”The high-risk states include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara,” he said.

He reiterated earlier warnings, urging state and local governments to improve drainage, relocate at-risk communities, raise public awareness, and enforce land-use laws.

He also encouraged stakeholders to consult NIHSA’s online flood forecast dashboard for detailed, location-specific risk information to aid proactive planning and disaster mitigation.

Utsev described the Mokwa flood as a stark reminder of the increasing impact of climate change, which continues to manifest in more frequent and intense weather events nationwide.

”As a Ministry, we remain fully committed to managing Nigeria’s water resources sustainably and building climate-resilient systems.

”We call on all sectors, government, private, civil society, and communities to work together in building safer and more resilient environments,” he said.

He added that technical personnel from the ministry, NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) were already on site in Mokwa conducting a thorough assessment to guide future interventions.

While expressing the government’s condolences, the minister noted that flooding is not just a natural event but a developmental issue requiring coordinated and sustained response.

According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than 200 people lost their lives and around 500 remain missing following the floods in Mokwa on May 29.

NEMA also reported that at least 121 individuals sustained injuries, while more than 3,000 residents were displaced.

The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall destroyed over 265 homes, as well as key roads and bridges.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged federal assistance and activated the National Emergency Response Centre to coordinate ongoing recovery efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Dasin Hausa Dam completion a top priority- FG
Water Resources

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
Water Resources

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
Water Resources

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

412 total views today

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
Water Resources

Delta governor seeks quick completion of dam

654 total views today
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
Water Resources

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

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