In a significant step toward improving food security and ensuring a reliable power supply in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Federal Ministry of Power, have signed an agreement in that regard.
The Director Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized between the two Ministries for the implementation of the hydropower component of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project.
Mrs Imuetinyan, further disclosed that the signing ceremony took place on Tuesday in Abuja in the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
She said the objective of the MoU was to enhance water security in Nigeria by improving the resilience and management of water resource infrastructure, with a specific focus on irrigation systems, hydropower, and dam safety.
She said the MoU also aims to promote institutional collaboration and capacity building to support water-efficient and climate-resilient food and energy production.
According to her, the collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development by integrating water resource management and renewable energy solutions to address critical challenges in agriculture and power infrastructure.
She said while speaking during the event, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, reaffirmed that in addition to ensuring the provision of potable drinking water, a central mandate of the ministry is to significantly boost food production and improve the overall livelihoods of Nigerians.
He emphasized that the SPIN project is a critical initiative for advancing these goals and elevating the sector to unprecedented heights.
He further highlighted that the SPIN project, financed through the World Bank, is strategically designed to strengthen food security and enhance access to water, particularly for underserved communities across the nation, thereby contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.
Prof. Utsev also underscored the remarkable progress made by the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project in enhancing food production and creating jobs nationwide.
While acknowledging the positive impact of the project, he noted that TRIMING, another World Bank-backed initiative, is set to conclude in January 2025.
He commended His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for approving the SPIN project as a follow-up initiative.
The Minister added that the new project aims to build upon the achievements of TRIMING, ensuring the continued growth of Nigeria’s water sector, with a focus on boosting food security, job creation, and sustainable water management.
Prof. Utsev expressed gratitude to his counterpart, the Honourable Minister of Power, for continued partnership and collaboration on ongoing projects. He also extended his thanks to the World Bank for its unwavering support for development initiatives in Nigeria.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, emphasized that the signing of the SPIN agreement highlights the Federal government’s unwavering commitment to the continued growth and development of hydropower in the country.
He stressed the pivotal role of hydropower in powering the nation’s economy and supporting its energy needs.
The Minister noted that the government’s dedication to sustainable energy sources, particularly hydropower, is crucial for ensuring long-term energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering economic prosperity for future generations.
Chief Adelabu also highlighted that the 2023 Electricity Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has opened new opportunities for state governments and the private sector to invest in the power sector.
He expressed satisfaction that the SPIN initiative supports the decentralized and liberalized model of the electricity sector, emphasizing the importance of exploring diverse energy sources, including hydropower.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, stated that the signing would not only provide hydropower but also bring other important benefits, such as improved irrigation and protection against floods and droughts.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Yvonne Odu-Thomas, the Director of Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized that while the Ministry of Water Resources oversees the dam safety aspects of the project, the Ministry of Power is responsible for the hydropower component.
She underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between the two ministries to ensure the successful and seamless implementation of the project. An overview of the SPIN Project was presented by the Chairman of the Preparatory Team for the SPIN Project, Engr. Dahiru Abdulkareem.
A highlight of the event was the signing of the MoU by the two Ministers, witnessed by members of the World Bank team and distinguished guests in attendance.
