The commitment to complete ongoing dam projects, including the Doma and Fari-Ruwa dams in Nasarawa State, has been made by the Federal Government.
During a strategic meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, assured the Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule, of the government’s dedication to this cause.
Emphasizing the importance of these dams in ensuring food security and providing safe water, Utsev highlighted that the Doma and Fari-Ruwa dams have the capacity to generate 25 megawatts of hydropower, which will significantly impact the region.
Utsev noted, “Considering Doma Dam a priority project from the north-central of Nigeria, we aim not only to enhance the water supply but also to establish hydropower and irrigation facilities.”
Disclosing future plans, Utsev mentioned provisions in the 2024 budget for the Faro-Riwa Dam and additional funding sought for this and other projects nationwide.
The Minister also discussed an ongoing study on transferring water from Gurara to the lower Usman dam to improve the well-being of Nigerians.
Encouraging state governments to support the Clean Nigeria project, Utsev aims for an open defecation-free status by 2025.
In response, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s assistance in advancing dam and intervention projects in the state, crucial for their development agenda.
Sule asserted, “We strive to propel our state’s growth to match that of longstanding states, thus welcoming and pursuing any developmental opportunity.”
Highlighting the need for support from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the federal government, Ahmed Gana, the General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, emphasized the state’s proximity to Abuja.