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

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

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

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