The Federal Government has announced significant progress in Nigeria’s water, energy, and irrigation sectors, detailing major gaps closed over the past two years. The update was presented on Wednesday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ engagement session.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, said the Ministry has recorded “substantial and measurable gains” nationwide. He disclosed that over 32 million Nigerians now have access to clean water following the completion or rehabilitation of more than 6,700 water projects.

The Minister also confirmed the full completion of the Kashimbilla Multipurpose Dam, whose 40MW hydropower plant is already supplying electricity to the national grid. Along with the Gurara and Dadin Kowa Dams, he said total renewable energy contribution from the facilities has reached 110MW.

Utsev revealed that the Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant and the Kashimbilla Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport have been successfully concessioned, generating more than N7 billion in commencement fees.

Progress on Ongoing Dam and Irrigation Projects

He highlighted near-completion levels at several major dam projects:

• Mangu Dam (Plateau) – 90% completion
• Adada Dam (Enugu) – 78%
• Ogbesse Dam (Ekiti) – 65%

Steady progress is also being recorded on the Farin Ruwa and Alau Dams, while rehabilitation of reservoirs in Oyo, Benue, Kano, and Jigawa States has been completed.

On irrigation, Utsev announced that 2,000 hectares of irrigable land have been delivered to farmers through the Dadin Kowa scheme in Gombe State. The Middle Rima and Middle Ogun projects are advancing, while solar-powered micro-irrigation systems in Jigawa, Oyo, Kwara, and Kebbi have been completed.

He added that 26 states have expressed interest in the World Bank-backed SPIN project, designed to modernise irrigation nationwide.

Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Gains

The Minister reported the execution of 500 solar-powered boreholes, benefiting more than two million people in rural communities.

Sanitation coverage has also improved. Under the Clean Nigeria Campaign, 5,238 public sanitation facilities have been constructed and 162 LGAs certified open-defecation-free. Two national water-quality laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia have also been completed.

Flood and Climate Resilience Measures

Utsev said the 2024 and 2025 Flood Outlooks identified 3,436 flood-prone communities across 33 states and the FCT. In response, the Ministry has launched several initiatives, including the National Flood Insurance Scheme, the Niger Flood Project, the Integrated Climate Resilience Innovation Project, and a new Annual Drought Outlook.

He clarified that no water has been released from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, urging Nigerians to rely on verified updates from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

River Basin Development and Agricultural Support

The twelve River Basin Development Authorities have collectively developed 154,000 hectares of irrigable land, supporting more than 1.6 million farmers engaged in year-round agriculture. Completed projects include the Rafin Yashin, Odo Ape, and Amla Otukpo dams, which are boosting dry-season farming.

Next Steps and 2026 Targets

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, said the engagement was designed to deepen transparency, accountability, and stakeholder participation. He assured that feedback will be incorporated into ongoing reforms.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Minister listed key priorities:

• Completing the Adada, Mangu, and Ogbesse Dams
• Operationalising the Kashimbilla water-supply network
• Expanding micro-irrigation programs
• Strengthening citizen feedback and monitoring systems

These goals, he said, form part of broader reforms to enhance national water security and accelerate socio-economic development.