News Agency of Nigeria
Inefficiency, poor coordination affecting Nigeria’s water policies—-Stakeholders
Water Resources

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Officer with IWMI, said that the organisation discovered that various policies within water sector in Nigeria were outdated and need to be reviewed.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
Water Resources

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
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

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

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
Community , Water Resources

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
Water Resources

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
Water Resources

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
Water Resources

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
Commission moves to sanction unlicensed water users
Water Resources

Commission moves to sanction unlicensed water users

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By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), has commenced the review of its laws that would enable it sanction all unlicensed water users in the country.

Mr Magashi Bashir, the Executive Director of the commission, made this known on Monday, at the opening of the Review of Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions Meeting, in Abuja.

According to Bashir, there is need to standardise all documents targeted at repositioning and regulating the water resources sector.

He said the non-passage of the Water Resources Bill however, had caused many irregularities in the sector, saying partnerships between all actors would reduce poor water governance.

“It is important to state that Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions is a critical component in the administration and issuance of Water Use Licence to applicants, as it determines the regime for proper licence usage by various applicants.

“The relevance of Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions can therefore, not be overestimated in anyway.

“Continuous stakeholders’ engagement in the administration of Water Resources in the Country is necessary for effective and result oriented regulations, with particular reference to Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions.”

Magashi noted that the Commission under his watch would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a continuous proper licensing regime.

He said it was his honest expectation that the forum would consolidate on the ongoing engagement between all tiers of government, for the purpose of appropriately managing Nigeria’s water resources, through effective enforcement mechanisms.

The executive director said implementing a comprehensive regulatory regime would benefit the collective interest of the country, saying participants at the workshop could make it happen by contributing meaningfully.

Earlier, the Legal Adviser for NIWRMC, Mr Rotimi Ojegbile, said before now, the legal department had made several efforts to regularise most of the commission’s documents, with little or no progress made.

Ojegbile said with the commitment of the present leadership however, the commission had made that possible, saying it was necessary for all frameworks to stand the test of time.

The legal adviser, represented by Ms. Ikemhe Ekwere-Bello, urged all participants to brainstorm and contribute meaningfully, so that water use was regulated and done properly.

Dr Emmanuel Udoh, delivering a paper on ‘Optimising Water Allocation Through Revised License Terms and Conditions’, said there was need for Nigeria to strengthen its weak and fragile institutions.

Udoh said climate change challenges called for appropriate measures to mitigate them, noting that though section 11 of the Water Resources Act gave individuals access to water use, it must however, be used sustainably.

He said key considerations on Revised License Terms and Conditions must include sustainability and long-term water management, through equity and fairness in water distribution.

“We must adapt to changing climatic conditions and water scarcity by integrating regulatory frameworks, such as the environmental protection and incorporating stakeholder perspectives and public participation into all aspects”.

Mr Chinesonu Okpoko, a legal expert, said currently, there was no effective water resources data management system for the country.

Okpoko said the unavailability of adequate and reliable data, upon which analysis, planning, management and decision-making could be based on, had crippled the water licensing system.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Water Resources Act 2004, empowers the Minister with responsibility for matters relating to water resources, as the lead in charge of water resources development, licensing, planning, and use.

Sections 11-19 of the Act deals with issuance of water use licences, licensing fees, power to fix rates in connection with the abstraction of water, penalties and the issuing of regulations.

Water licensing plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management and allocation of water resources in Nigeria. It ensures equitable access to water, promotes efficient use, and safeguards the environment.

While challenges persist in its implementation, continued efforts to improve water licensing systems are essential for addressing water scarcity, promoting sustainable development, and protecting Nigeria’s water resources. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dore

Water Resources

Commission issues 86 water use licenses to coys in 8 years

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By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), says it has given out 86 water use licenses to companies using raw bulk water, within eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Mr Magashi Bashir, the Executive Director of the commission, made this known on Thursday, when he took round the Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, on a tour of the commission’s facilities in Abuja.

According to Bashir, the commission has also given demand notices to 76 companies using raw bulk water in pursuance of its enhanced revenue generation agenda to an expected income of N823 million.

He emphasised the need for exercising regulations oversight over water abstraction and water related activities, saying current regulations had led to the revalidation of 50 licenses for users of bulk water.

He said monitoring activities of the licensees would ensure that they operated within the terms and conditions, and would impact greatly on the Nigerian economy.

Magashi said the commission was committed to generating revenue from the water sector to develop infrastructure in the country, saying his tenure had brought in N74 million, an expected 100 per cent revenue increase.

The executive director said the commission had partnered with the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, to investigate cases of violators of the Water Resources Act, saying that had yielded positive results.

“We as a Commission, being aware of the revenue deficit in the nation’s revenue needs, are determined to make sure users of raw bulk water pay the appropriate charges.

“It is hoped that with all the efforts committed thus far, the Water Resources Bill will see the light of the day soon, and effective implementation of regulations of water resources can be possible.”

Responding, Adamu commended the leadership of the commission for working dispassionately to reposition the water resources sector.

The minister said the commission was an important arm of the ministry that should be given its independence when the National Water Resources Bill scaled through.

He urged the staff of the commission not to despair at current developments and politicisation of the bill at the National Assembly.

Adamu said those calling it a “Buhari bill’ would have a change of heart soon, saying its aim was to make sure that the nation’s water sector remained competitive and regulated for the overall benefit of all.

“The National Water Resources Bill is not a “Buhari bill”, those calling it all sorts of things are misinformed and it’s all dirty politics, delaying its passage is denying the benefits to the people.”

The minister expressed optimism that his successor would give the commission the needed support to enable it carry out its mandate on integrated water resources management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that NIWRMC, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, was established in May 2007, following the setting up of a committee on Federal Government Public Reforms.

The commission’s objective and mandate is to regulate, protect, conserve and control water sources for equitable social-economic development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

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