The Federal Government has expressed commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank to expand access to safe water, boost food security and promote sustainable economic growth across the country.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, gave the assurance when he hosted a delegation from World Bank in Abuja.
He described the partnership as key to delivering the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Prof. Utsev said the administration remains committed to improving access to potable water, expanding irrigated agriculture and creating jobs through strategic investments in the water sector.
He explained that stronger collaboration with the World Bank would accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project and other critical projects aimed at improving water infrastructure and agricultural productivity.
The Minister said the projects would increase access to safe drinking water, especially in underserved communities, while supporting year-round farming to enhance food security.
He also confirmed Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming Africa Water Forum in N’Djamena, Chad, where the Ministry will showcase ongoing reforms and investment opportunities in the country’s water sector.
According to him, the forum will provide an opportunity to engage development partners and investors on innovative solutions to water security and sanitation challenges across Africa.
Earlier, World Bank Task Team Leader for the SPIN Project, Zack Zieglhifer, and Co-Task Team Leader, Mr. Chinedu Umolu, said their visit was to confirm the Ministry’s participation in the forum.
They said the meeting would bring together governments, development partners and private sector stakeholders to promote innovative financing and stronger regional collaboration on water security and irrigation development.
