•…Says 395,624 hectares available for irrigation
By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has unveiled his Ministry’s achievements, including the concession of key power projects, the 460MW Kashimbila Dam in Taraba State and the 20MW Farin Ruwa project in Nasarawa State, thereby contributing N7.2 million to the national revenue pool.
He stated that these initiatives are part of broader efforts to expand irrigation and improve power supply, agriculture, and economic productivity.
Prof Utsev spoke at the ongoing Ministerial press briefing being coordinated by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation at the National Press Center, Radio House, Abuja.
He highlighted that through extensive irrigation projects such as the Bakolori Irrigation Project in Zamfara, as well as initiatives in Oyo, Gombe, and Kebbi States, the Ministry has made 395,624 hectares available for irrigation. “Over 154,000 hectares are already in use, engaging 1,658,576 farmers.
He added that micro-irrigation projects are also being introduced to support rural farmers and increase productivity.”
The Minister reiterated that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry has completed reforms and projects aligned with the administration’s eight-point priority agenda focusing on food security, job creation, improved power supply, expanded irrigation, and sanitation.
He also announced the completion and commissioning of major multipurpose dams including the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, the Odo Ape Dam in Benue State, and others.
These facilities, he said, support irrigation, potable water supply, flood control, and hydropower.
He adds: “The Odo Ape Dam alone benefits over 2,800 farmers and yields an estimated 3,000 metric tons of crops per square meter.”
He also highlighted the upcoming World Bank-supported 3B Project (Boosting Food, Power, and Irrigation), set to launch in July, which will modernize irrigation infrastructure in participating states.
Furthermore, Utsev disclosed that the Ministry has earmarked several key projects for 2025, including, water project in Ogun State, water supply upgrades in Bayelsa, 78 new drip irrigation schemes,
rehabilitation of dams in Katsina, Osun, Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Plateau States.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive development through partnerships with state governments, private investors, and development partners.
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