Providing updates on key infrastructure projects, the Minister stated that the Nkari Dam is currently 55% completed and has been prioritized for completion under the current administration.
By Samuel Anyanwu
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Government to achieve its mandate of providing clean water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and flood control for the benefit of the people.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this known on Wednesday, 29th January 2025, during a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, at the Government House, Uyo.
The Minister commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for accepting to host the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, describing it as a vital platform for advancing national progress in the water and sanitation sector.
During the meeting, Prof Utsev reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with Akwa Ibom State to enhance WASH infrastructure and flood mitigation efforts. He noted ongoing communication with the State Flood Management Committee to activate the four proposed pilot areas, which include:
• The implementation of robust early warning systems.
• Community engagement through awareness campaigns to improve disaster preparedness.
• Capacity-building programs to enhance resilience and promote community-led responses.
• Investment in flood defense infrastructure to mitigate flooding impacts.
Providing updates on key infrastructure projects, the Minister stated that the Nkari Dam is currently 55% completed and has been prioritized for completion under the current administration. With over 500 hectares of irrigation potential and a reservoir capacity of 3.5 million cubic meters (MCM), the dam will significantly enhance irrigation farming, water supply, fisheries, and food security in the region.
He also noted that the Itu Irrigation Project, one of the largest in the South-South region, remains a major initiative aimed at developing 2,000 hectares of land for year-round agriculture and flood control. The Minister urged stronger collaboration with the state government to advance its implementation.
Prof Utsev further announced the Federal Government’s approval for the construction of two Reference Laboratories per geopolitical zone, with Akwa Ibom State selected as one of the beneficiaries. The establishment of this facility will help curb waterborne diseases by ensuring comprehensive borehole water testing.
He encouraged greater efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2030 through increased sensitization and the provision of more toilet facilities in schools and public spaces across the state.
The Minister highlighted several World Bank-funded initiatives designed to enhance water and sanitation services across Nigeria, including:
• The Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH)
• The Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH)
• The Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project
He urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to expedite efforts to key into these projects.
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the need to enact the Water Users Association (WUA) Law, a critical requirement for full participation in the SPIN project.
Recognizing the strong presence of Akwa Ibom professionals in the water sector, the Minister praised the formation of the Akwa Ibom Water Professionals Association during the 30th National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation in February 2024. He also presented a list of distinguished water sector professionals from the state, emphasizing their role in the growth and sustainability of the sector.
In his response, His Excellency, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, applauded the Federal Government for granting Akwa Ibom the hosting rights for the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation. He pledged that his administration would review and act on the proposed initiatives in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Governor Eno highlighted ongoing state-led WASH interventions, including the installation of sanitation facilities in schools. He expressed optimism that the forthcoming National Council Meeting would provide a platform for experts to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s developmental vision in the water and sanitation sector.
Present at the courtesy visit were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Richard Pheelangwah; the Permanent Secretary of Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Water Resources; other distinguished members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; Directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation; and Managing Directors from some River Basin Development Authorities.
