Minister seeks more World Bank funding to tackle food scarcity in Nigeria

Kunle Sanni

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev has called for World Bank increasing funding to fortify food security across the nation.

The appeal was made today during a courtesy visit by Ndiame Diop, the incoming Country Director of the World Bank to Nigeria, accompanied by his team, to the Honourable Minister, according to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan.

Highlighting the paramount importance of allocating resources towards food security, Utsev underscored its potential to spur employment opportunities and curtail criminal activities nationwide.

He stressed the necessity of fostering a robust partnership between the World Bank and the Ministry to effectively pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prof. Utsev reiterated the ministry’s anticipation of additional funding from the World Bank to facilitate the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN) and expressed optimism that the project would not only create job opportunities for youths but also bolster power generation, economic growth and food security.

Acknowledging the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, for his commendable service, Prof. Utsev extended gratitude and best wishes for his future endeavors. He also extended encouragement and support to the incoming Director, Ndiame Diop, for a fruitful tenure ahead.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Aliyu Shinkafi, emphasized the imperative of streamlining administrative processes within the World Bank to expedite fund disbursement for project projects execution.

In response, Ndiame Diop, the incoming World Bank Country Director, expressed eagerness for a strengthened partnership and continued collaboration with the Ministry. He stressed the significance of sustained financial support for the Ministry’s projects and programs.

Shubham Chaudhuri, the outgoing World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, conveyed gratitude to Nigeria and the Ministry for their exemplary partnership. He lauded Nigeria’s strides in the Water and Sanitation sector and assured continued support from the incoming Director to further advance the nation’s development goals.