Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has presented the Ministry’s 2025 Budget Implementation Report and defended a proposed ₦98,105,051,341 budget for the 2026 fiscal year before the House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation at the National Assembly, Abuja.
Speaking during the session, the Minister said the Ministry’s interventions are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing food security, expanding access to potable water, improving sanitation, and strengthening climate resilience through sustainable water resource management.
Prof. Utsev explained that the Ministry received a total allocation of ₦146.78 billion in the 2025 fiscal year, out of which ₦142.22 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure.
He stressed that while some capital warrants had been released, they were awaiting cash-backing to facilitate full project execution.
According to him, procurement processes for several ongoing projects are at advanced stages to ensure timely implementation and value for money.
He assured lawmakers that the Ministry remains focused on completing critical infrastructure projects across the country.
The Minister also briefed the Committee on the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at strengthening dam safety and enhancing water resource management for hydropower and irrigation development.
He revealed that 26 states have expressed interest in the project, with 23 states already onboarded after meeting the stipulated criteria.
He said the strong participation by states reflects growing commitment to boosting agricultural productivity, expanding renewable energy generation, and mitigating flood and drought risks nationwide.
Defending the ₦98.1 billion 2026 budget proposal, Prof. Utsev stated that priority will be given to the completion of ongoing dams and irrigation schemes to consolidate gains in food production and rural livelihoods.
He added that the Ministry will intensify Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, sustain the drive to end open defecation, and scale up flood and drought mitigation strategies.
Other focus areas in the 2026 fiscal framework include strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in dam and hydropower development, as well as deepening collaboration with international development partners to mobilise technical and financial support for sustainable water infrastructure.
Highlighting key achievements recorded under the 2025 budget cycle, the Minister listed the completion of the Kashimbilla Multipurpose Dam, with hydropower now contributing to the national grid.
He noted that a combined 110 megawatts of hydropower are currently being generated from Kashimbilla, Gurara, and Dadin Kowa Dams.
He further stated that 2,000 hectares of irrigable land have been delivered to farmers at Dadin Kowa, while more than 6,700 water supply schemes have been constructed or rehabilitated nationwide to improve access to safe drinking water.
On sanitation, Prof. Utsev disclosed that 168 Local Government Areas have been certified Open Defecation Free, while the SURWASH and PEWASH programmes have been expanded to 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the Committee for its continued oversight and support, stressing that sustained and adequate funding will enable the Ministry to deepen reforms in water governance, create jobs, strengthen food systems, and support inclusive economic growth.
On his part, the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Mukhtar Chawai, adopted the Ministry’s 2025 Budget Implementation Report with amendments and received the 2026 budget proposal as a working document for further legislative consideration.
In a related development, the Committee resolved to establish a joint technical committee comprising members of the House, officials of the Ministry, and key stakeholders in the water sector to ascertain the status of dams and irrigation projects across the country.
