By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources has aligned with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on a proposed ₦98 billion budget for 2026, following a detailed budget defence session that also reviewed the Ministry’s 2025 performance.
At the session held on Monday, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, appeared before the Committee alongside Directors and senior officials, presenting a comprehensive breakdown of programmes, infrastructure projects, and policy priorities.
Lawmakers engaged extensively with the Ministry, exercising their oversight and appropriation responsibilities.
Defending the 2026 proposal, Utsev explained that the ₦98 billion allocation is largely targeted at completing ongoing dam and irrigation projects across the country to strengthen agriculture and enhance food security.
He stressed that flood and drought mitigation efforts remain a top priority amid growing climate variability.
The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes, particularly the drive to end open defecation nationwide.
He revealed that 17 states are currently benefiting from the expansion of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) and Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) initiatives.
Highlighting achievements, Utsev cited the completion of the Kashambila Dam, including a 40-megawatt hydropower plant and an airstrip delivered through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
He added that significant progress has been recorded on major dam projects nationwide, alongside the delivery of 2,000 hectares of irrigable land to farmers.
The Minister further announced the completion of two national water quality reference laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia to enhance water safety monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Additionally, 5,238 public sanitation facilities have been constructed nationwide, although Committee members requested detailed location data to enable verification and effective oversight.
Utsev also pointed to the expansion of climate-smart, renewable energy-powered micro-irrigation schemes and the establishment of Water Users Associations to promote sustainability and community ownership.
He referenced the World Bank-supported SPIN initiative, currently active in 26 states, as part of ongoing sector reforms.
Despite acknowledging key milestones, Committee members raised concerns about the pace of implementation of the 2025 budget, particularly capital projects.
In response, the Minister assured lawmakers that all pending projects would be awarded within the coming week and pledged improved execution.
At the close of the session, the Committee resolved to embark on nationwide inspection visits to ongoing dam and irrigation projects to independently assess progress and ensure value for money.
The Deputy Chairman, Hon. Mukhtar Chawai, presided over the meeting, while the substantive Chairman, Hon. Sada Soli, chose to participate as an ordinary member — a rare gesture within the National Assembly that observers described as a demonstration of collegiality and respect for due process.
The Committee reiterated its commitment to rigorous oversight, noting that effective water resources management is vital to national development, agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and improved public health.
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