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  • FG pledges stronger action for clean rivers, healthier communities

    FG pledges stronger action for clean rivers, healthier communities

    The federal government has restated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s rivers and improving public health through cleaner waterways, as the country joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Rivers Day on Monday in Abuja.

    Speaking at a commemorative press briefing at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Minister, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev described this year’s theme — “Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities” — as timely, stressing that safeguarding rivers was central to achieving food security, job creation, and better health outcomes for Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Although the global celebration was held on Sunday, September 28, the minister explained that the National Council on Water Resources approved that Nigeria’s observance take place the following Monday to enable full participation by citizens and institutions.

    “Healthy rivers mean safe irrigation water, higher crop yields, cleaner environments, and improved public health outcomes. They are the lifelines of development,” Utsev said.

    He highlighted the government’s ongoing interventions, noting that the reach of the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) programme has been expanded to provide safe water to more rural communities. Investments in sustainable sanitation infrastructure have also been scaled up through the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme to reduce pollution of rivers in pilot states.

    Utsev further disclosed that the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign has continued to record significant progress, with 21 states and 151 Local Government Areas now certified Open Defecation Free (ODF), while Jigawa State has sustained its record as the first ODF state in Nigeria.

    He added that the River Basin Development Authorities have intensified efforts to protect riverbanks by promoting community-inclusive initiatives such as integrated river basin management practices, tree planting, and small-scale irrigation schemes designed to reduce siltation and boost food production.

    Reaffirming the ministry’s resolve to address challenges in sanitation and water safety, the minister said that the government aims to achieve nationwide ODF status by 2030, while scaling up climate-smart sanitation systems that can withstand flooding.

    He also emphasised the need to promote eco-friendly practices, including community river clean-ups, restoration of riparian vegetation, and pollution control measures.

    “Our rivers do not refuse dumps. They must not be polluted with sewage, effluents, or open defecation. Protecting our rivers is safeguarding ourselves, our health, and our economy,” he said.

    Utsev called on all stakeholders — government, civil society, the private sector, the media, and the public — to act as “guardians of our rivers,” adding that the progress already achieved shows that collective effort can deliver cleaner rivers and healthier communities.

    The commemoration concluded with a symbolic river clean-up and riverside tree-planting exercise led by the minister at the Wupa River in the Gbesa community, near Airport Road, Abuja.

  • SGF Akume, Utsev have not disappointed Tinubu, Nigerians – Benue Caucus spokesperson

    SGF Akume, Utsev have not disappointed Tinubu, Nigerians – Benue Caucus spokesperson

    The Benue National Assembly and Federal Appointees Caucus has commended Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, for what they described as their outstanding performance and dedication to serving Nigeria.

    According to Hon. Philip Agbese, spokesperson for the caucus, the recent cabinet reshuffle, which retained both leaders in their positions, attests to their exceptional abilities and President Bola Tinubu’s confidence in them.

    Under Senator Akume’s leadership, Agbese said the Office of the SGF has undergone significant reforms, streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks to enhance service delivery.

    He said his strategic vision has ensured effective implementation of the President’s policies and programs.

    Agbese noted Utsev has revolutionised the water resources and sanitation sector, addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable management.

    The group said he has launched initiatives to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services in rural communities.

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    “We express our heartfelt appreciation and admiration for two exceptional leaders from our great state, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,” the statement said.

    “The recent cabinet reshuffle, which saw the retention of these two distinguished individuals in their respective positions, is a resounding endorsement of their outstanding performance and dedication to serving our nation. Their exemplary leadership has brought immense pride to Benue State and reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s confidence in their exceptional abilities.

    “Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative acumen, streamlining government processes and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks to enhance service delivery.

    “Under his guidance, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has witnessed significant reforms, facilitating seamless coordination among ministries, departments, and agencies.

    “Senator Akume’s strategic vision has ensured the effective implementation of the President’s policies and programs, fostering interagency collaboration and promoting synergy while resolving interministerial conflicts. He has also enhanced transparency and accountability in government procurement and financial management.

    “Professor Joseph Utsev, as Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has revolutionised the sector by addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable management. He has launched initiatives to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services, particularly in rural communities.

    “Utsev has promoted innovative technologies and partnerships to enhance water conservation and efficient use, strengthening institutional frameworks and capacity building for effective water resources management. His expertise and vision have driven significant progress in the sector.”

    The Caucus praised President Tinubu for recognising the value and contributions of these two leaders, citing their retention as evidence of his commitment to excellence and dedication to surrounding himself with result-driven leaders.

    They, however, assured the President that Benue State is solidly behind him.

    “As a caucus, we are proud to associate with Senator Akume and Professor Utsev, who have consistently demonstrated the values of hard work, integrity, and selfless service. We celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our support for their continued service to our nation.

    “To Senator Akume and Professor Utsev, we say thank you for being shining examples of Benue State’s finest. Your dedication, expertise, and leadership have made us proud, and we look forward to your continued contributions to our nation’s growth and development.

    “We affirm our unwavering for President Tinubu’s policies and programs aimed at transforming Nigeria. As loyal stakeholders, we pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure the President’s vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria is realised.

    “Benue State is intact and committed to the President’s success, and we will continue to stand by him throughout his tenure.”

  • Sustain superlative performances, groups tell Utsev, Keyamo

    Sustain superlative performances, groups tell Utsev, Keyamo

    Some pro-government groups have praised Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Utsev and Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for what they described as their outstanding performances in office, urging them to sustain the efforts. 

    Under the auspices of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Network Nigeria, they acknowledged the ministers’ dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    In a statement  by its President Dr William Abu, the groups said Ministers Utsev and Keyamo have demonstrated unwavering passion for Nigeria’s progress, inspiring hope and confidence among Nigerians.

    “Professor Joseph Utsev has transformed the water resources sector through innovative approaches. His initiatives have improved access to clean water, enhanced sanitation infrastructure, and promoted sustainable water management practices,” Abu said. 

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    “Utsev has introduced groundbreaking reforms, including sustainable river basin management, revitalizing ailing irrigation schemes, and promoting integrated water resources management. His water supply expansion projects have increased access to potable water in rural communities.

    “The Minister’s leadership has also upgraded waste management facilities, promoting hygiene practices and implementing efficient water usage policies. His efforts have boosted the economy by increasing food production, creating jobs, and enhancing sanitation.”

    In the aviation sector, Abu said Festus Keyamo has elevated Nigeria’s standing with strategic plans to make the country Africa’s leading aviation hub through local airline empowerment, international route expansion, and airport infrastructure upgrades.

    “Keyamo’s reforms have enhanced airport infrastructure, improved air travel safety, and fostered innovation in the aerospace industry. His leadership promotes transparency, accountability, and a culture of excellence’” Abu added. 

    “Keyamo’s vision for Nigeria’s aviation sector has received widespread acclaim. His efforts have improved Nigeria’s global ranking and attractiveness to investors.

    “The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network in Nigeria commends Ministers Utsev and Keyamo for their remarkable achievements and urges them to continue their excellent work.”

    The groups urged them to maintain the momentum, continue delivering exceptional results, and remain steadfast in their commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

    By doing so, Abu said Utsev and Keyamo will further cement their legacies, inspire hope among Nigerians, and significantly contribute to President Tinubu’s vision for a brighter future.

  • Access to clean water, food security top priority – Utsev

    Access to clean water, food security top priority – Utsev

    In his quest to ensure access to clean water accessible to Nigerians while boosting food security through irrigation farming, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, recently toured some of the states to inspect ongoing water projects and interact with the contractors handling them, reports Senior Correspondent

    Fanen Ihyongo

    As part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda of developing surface and ground water resources for socio-economic development, President Bola Tinubu appointed Engr. Joseph Utsev, a professor of Civil and Water Engineering, to head the ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

    To ensure the president succeeds in making water accessible for citizens and ensuring food security through irrigated farming, Prof. Utsev has been focused and committed to the task.

    To begin with, Utsev alongside his Minister of State, Barr. Bello Goronyo intimated the management and staff of the ministry as well as managing directors of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities in the country of the mandate given to the ministry.

    This is just as the minister directed the chief executives of the river basins to put 500,000 hectares of land in their care for dry season farming.

    Utsev recently embarked on a nationwide tour of the river basins to ensure compliance and ascertain their level of operation and commitment to achieving food security while providing safe water to Nigerians.

    The tour of duty also afforded the minister the opportunity to inspect ongoing water projects and interact with the contractors handling them, charging them to ensure quality work and timely completion of the projects.

    He warned them that the Tinubu administration would not condone acts of sabotage or substandard jobs.

    He equally directed contractors who abandoned their projects to return to site immediately or have their contracts terminated and re-awarded to more competent hands.

    Many water schemes and dam projects that were abandoned for years without genuine excuses have been completed and are being commissioned by the minister while others are at different stages of completion.

    Prof. Utsev’s ports of call penultimate week were Kano and Jigawa states. In Kano, the minister commissioned a water project executed by Hadejia-Jama-are River Basin Development Authority aimed at ending water scarcity in the Birnin-Kudu communities of Jigawa State.

    He also commissioned a 200,000-litre corrugated surface steel water tank and serviced borehole powered by hybrid solar inverter to supply water to 700 households in Dutsen Dodo Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State.

    Also commissioned was 135kw capacity solar panels installed at Birnin-Kudu water works as replacement for the diesel powered generators for both the intake and booster pumps that ensure sustainable operation of the treatment plant and distribution of safe drinking water.

    At the headquarters of the Hadejia-Jama-are River Basin Development Authority, Kano, the minister commissioned a water bottling factory meant to provide potable water on a commercial basis for citizens of Kano in line with the partial commercialisation arrangement of the federal government.

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    Apart from the provision of clean water to citizens of Kano at an affordable rate, the water factory has provided jobs for youths with a projected annual turnover of over N300 million.

    During the inauguration of the projects, some members of the Birnin-Kudu community and Kano metropolis expressed profound appreciation to the ministry for providing clean and safe water which they had lacked for decades.

    The beneficiaries thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing a committed man as the arrow head of the administration’s determination to address the water needs of Nigerians.

    Also while in Kano, Prof. Utsev inspected factory facilities of Panar Limited, a leading manufacturer of HDPE, PPR and UPVC Pipes and segmented fittings.

    At the factory, the minister warned that the federal government would not condone with anybody, group or company that is into the production of substandard water materials like pipes and fittings.

    He noted that pipes are the channels through which water is moved to our points of usage. And part of Tinubu’s agenda has been to encourage local content production, but the administration will slam sanctions on anyone who produces substandard materials.

    The minister said: “It is against the foregoing that we call on citizens to show understanding with the Tinubu administration, which has adequately demonstrated within barely one year in office that it is in a hurry to  address the water challenges of the country.

    “It is also worthy of note that the Tinubu administration, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, is currently executing water schemes across the 36 states in the federation that when completed will tackle water scarcity in many communities.”

    He called on state governors to join hands with the federal government and invest in water infrastructure for the overall benefit of the country, and as well encourage irrigation farming in their states to boost the nation’s food security.

    Echoing similar sentiments, the minister’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Terhemen Oraduen, also revealed to our correspondent that after his visit to Kano and Jigawa, the minister was in Kogi, Benue and Niger States to commission dam projects in Kabba Bunnu, Lessel in Ushongo and Rafin Yashin multipurpose dam in Minna.

    “The projects are aimed at providing water for the citizens and scaling up irrigation farming,” Oraduen said.

    To ensure the water schemes are judiciously utilised and managed, Utsev, along with his team in the ministry, the African Development Bank and other critical stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector across the 36 states and FCT met recently in Abuja and developed a framework for WASHCOM formation and management.

    The framework, Oraduen explained, is aimed at involving community members in the management of WASH facilities in their areas to address frequent breakdown and abandonment of water and sanitation facilities in communities for attainment of SDGs six point one and two.