Nigeria To Examine Performance Of River Basin Development Authorities

Nigeria government is set to examine the role and status of River Basin Development Authorities with a view to improve on their performances. This is  to make them meet up with the demands of the new Agricultural Agenda of the present administration.

The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu made this known over the weekend in Abuja, while declaring open a 3-day retreat organized by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for all Directors in the Ministry as well as Managing Directors of River Basin Development Authorities and Heads of Agencies under the Ministry.

Suleiman Adamu emphasized that the retreat was aimed at strengthening weaknesses in the delivery of the Ministry’s mandate and developing a road map that would enable sustainable positive impact in the water sector within a short period, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework.

He also said that the urgent task before the Ministry is that of aligning with one of the components of the present Administration’s change agenda which is agricultural development. “I expect that this retreat will in particular, examine the role and status of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities in meeting up the demand of the new agricultural agenda. I dare to say that much of our success during the life of this administration will depend on effective performance of the river basins,” he revamped.

Adamu noted that agriculture is one of the major focuses of this Government, hinting that currently only 15% of the 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land is equipped with facilities for all -year – round farming. He added that extensive and all – year – round irrigated agriculture is impressive, considering the drastic decline in the earnings from petroleum production, the need to develop other sources of national income as a means of generating jobs and wealth creation and the overall urgent need to restructure the economy.

Speaking on water supply, the Minister said that available report by the Ministry indicates that implementation of water supply projects and programmes have resulted in increased access to water supply from 58% in year 2010 to 69% in year 2015. He insisted that the present administration is desirous to uplift Nigerian citizens by improving socio-economic well-being through providing adequate and potable water.

In her remarks during the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry,  Rabi Jimeta disclosed that the retreat was organized to offer possible solutions to the challenges hindering the Ministry  from efficient accomplishment of its responsibilities.

Rabi Jimeta expressed hope that the outcome of the retreat will go a long way in setting the right direction for the water sector to harness all the available resources and synergize all efforts towards better realization of the Ministry’s mandate. [FMWR]