Water Projects: FG assures UNIDO of adequate collaboration
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev has assured the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) of the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate and provide technical and infrastructural support for the success of UNIDO’s projects in the water sector.
The Minister gave the assurance when he received the National Programme Officer of UNIDO, Dr Osu Inya Otu and other members of the organisation in Abuja.
Professor Utsev highlighted the importance of constructing dams and utilizing them effectively to address the longstanding issue of power shortage and food production.
He noted that ongoing dams will be completed and already completed ones will be enhanced to boost efforts in hydropower generation, irrigation farming and improved use of irrigation equipment to enhance agricultural productivity, stressing the importance of partnering with UNIDO to enhance dams for hydropower, and agricultural and food production improvements in Nigeria.
The Minister underscored the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhancing various sectors of the economy, particularly in the area of food security. He emphasized the Federal Government’s determination to improve hydropower and irrigation farming practices.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Programme Manager of UNIDO, Dr Osu Inya Otu underscored the significance of Water Resources in the production of hydropower, highlighting that UNIDO has been in close collaboration with the Ministry in the areas of poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
He further briefed the Minister on the Organization’s forthcoming hydropower projects in Nigeria. He outlined UNIDO’s plan to establish six hydropower stations across the country to generate electricity for productive use, seeking support from the Ministry for the successful implementation of the project.
Present at the courtesy visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, and some Technical Directors.
