By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for more support from the World Bank to enable Nigeria upgrade and construct more dams to boost irrigation farming, achieve food security and Hydropower generation in the country.
A press statement issued by Terhemen Oraduen, the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, said Prof Utsev made the call on Friday in his office in Abuja when he received a team from the World Bank led by its Senior Water Resources Management Specialist and Team Leader of TRIMING and SPIN, Engr Chinedu Umolu, as well as the National Coordinator of SPIN, Engr Ipinlaye Olaiye.
According to the statement, the Minister noted that the World Bank has been supportive of the country especially in the funding of critical projects that are impacting positively on the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Prof. Utsev, however, said more of such support was required especially now that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to upgrading all existing dams in the country and constructing new ones to scale up irrigation farming and achieve food sufficiency as well as improve Hydropower generation in the country.
Prof Utsev pointed out that with the increased number of states indicating interest to participate in the SPIN project which is to commence soon, there was a compelling need for additional funding from the World Bank to enable the states fully key into the SPIN project to boost food production, create more job opportunities for the teaming youths and add value to the nation’s economy.
He assured the Bank of sustained synergy and smooth implementation of the SPIN project in the country.
Earlier, Engr. Umolu told the Minister that the visit was to brief him about the successful implementation of TRIMING project and it’s final closer next month.
He expressed appreciation to the Pres. Tinubu administration for his unwavering support for the execution of TRIMING project in Nigeria which has improved on the lives of citizens of the country.
He also thanked Prof. Utsev for his proactive and pragmatic leadership which saw the smooth kick off of the SPIN project in the country with many states indicating interest to participate.
Engr. Umolu said the development was a clear demonstration of commitment for the success of the project and assured the Minister of the support of the bank to enable the project impact positively on the lives of Nigerians.
