Fatshimetrie: Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Commitment to Boosting Food Production
By Nathan Daro
Addressing a press conference of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the 64th Independence Anniversary of the country, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engineer Joseph Utsev, highlighted the importance of ongoing water projects to boost food production in Nigeria.
At the heart of Minister Utsev’s remarks is the recognition of the critical role of the water sector in the Federal Government’s agenda. As Minister, he is committed to developing policies to ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water, thereby addressing a wide range of social, cultural, environmental and economic needs.
Notable achievements of Minister Utsev since assuming office include the commissioning of Rafin Yashin Multipurpose Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Dam in Kogi State, and Lessel Earth Dam in Benue State, among others. He also noted that Mangu Dam in Plateau State and Adada Dam in Enugu State are nearing completion.
In addition, the Minister highlighted ongoing irrigation projects such as Adarice Irrigation Project in Anambra and Enugu States, Bakolori Irrigation Project in Zamfara State, Dadin Kowa Irrigation Project in Gombe State, and Middle Ogun Irrigation Project in Oyo State. These projects are aimed at improving food production and enhancing food security across the country.
Minister Utsev also highlighted the importance of rehabilitating old dams such as the Alau Dam in the context of the recent flooding problem in Maiduguri which he attributed to climate change. He informed that President Bola Tinubu has constituted a technical committee to assess the integrity of dams nationwide.
In conclusion, Prof. Utsev expressed appreciation to the President for his support to these initiatives and stressed the need for national cooperation to improve food security and sanitation, particularly through the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Awareness Campaign.
Overall, the commitment and efforts of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engineer Joseph Utsev, are aimed at enhancing the supply of safe drinking water, promoting food production and ensuring food security for all Nigerians.