Today marks one year since Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, was appointed as the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This milestone provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on the tremendous progress achieved under his leadership in advancing the administration’s vision for the water resources and sanitation sector.
Professor Utsev’s appointment was met with widespread acclaim across Nigeria, largely due to his extensive experience in water engineering. His previous roles as Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment in Benue State, Executive Director Engineering at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, and Pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, provided him with a strong foundation to drive significant advancements in this critical sector.
Understanding the pivotal role of water resources in achieving the administration’s key goals—such as food security, poverty alleviation, and economic growth—Professor Utsev immediately began his tenure with a clear focus and determination. One of his first initiatives was a nationwide tour of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities, conducted in partnership with the Minister of State, Barrister Bello Goronyo. This tour was essential in assessing the current state of these basins and formulating a strategic plan for their optimal utilization.
During these tours, Professor Utsev engaged with management and staff, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the 500,000 hectares of irrigable land under their purview to meet the nation’s urgent need for food sufficiency. He also held direct discussions with contractors working on various dam and irrigation projects, issuing a stern directive to ensure timely completion or face contract termination and reallocation to more capable hands.
One year later, the results speak volumes about Professor Utsev’s effective leadership and innovative approach. Numerous dams and water schemes have been completed and are now operational, contributing significantly to irrigation farming across Nigeria. Notable among these are the Rafin Yashi Multipurpose Dam in Niger State, Lessel Dam in Benue State, and Odo Ape Dam in Kogi State. In addition, projects like the Ogbese Dam in Ekiti State, Adada Dam in Enugu State, and Mango Dam in Plateau State are nearing completion, while preparations are underway for constructing thirteen new dams and eight irrigation projects this year.
Progress is also evident in ongoing irrigation projects such as the Adarice Irrigation Project in Enugu, Bakalori Irrigation Project in Zamfara, and the rehabilitation of the Lower Ogun Irrigation Project in Ogun State. These initiatives are vital in ensuring the country’s agricultural stability and sustainability.
A remarkable achievement within this period is the construction of ninety-eight water schemes under the Partnership for Expanded Water Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) program. These schemes serve over 120,000 communities across Delta, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Gombe, Benue, Kwara, and Katsina States, significantly improving access to clean water. Additionally, several solar-powered water schemes have been completed in states including Kano, Borno, Kwara, and Ogun, providing reliable water sources to numerous communities.
The Ministry, under Professor Utsev, has also made strides in the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign, which has led to 25 additional local governments achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 126. Efforts are ongoing to ensure more local governments attain this status, in line with the 2025 ODF targets.
To further enhance sanitation, blocks of sanitation and hygiene facilities have been constructed in eight states, including Lagos, Sokoto, and Ekiti. Collaborations with development partners like the World Bank and UNICEF, as well as strategic engagements with governors and traditional rulers, have been crucial in advancing the administration’s sanitation goals and leveraging private sector investment in the sanitation value chain.
The impact of these initiatives extends beyond infrastructure. They have improved living conditions across the country, with increased employment opportunities in irrigation farming and sanitation services, particularly benefiting youths and women. The commitment and vision demonstrated by Professor Utsev ensure that the Tinubu Administration remains on course to provide every Nigerian with access to clean water and improved sanitation services.
As we celebrate these achievements, it is essential for all citizens to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his cabinet, who have shown unwavering dedication to transforming Nigeria into a more prosperous nation.
Watch a short clip of Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev’s one year in office at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation:
Written by Terhemen Oraduen, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.