By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has highlighting the pivotal role of the Governing Boards, Managing Directors, and Executive Directors of the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) in advancing national priorities such as food security, rural development and sustainable water resources management.
Prof. Utsev who was speaking during the inauguration of newly appointed Chairmen of Governing Boards, Managing Directors, and Executive Directors of the twelve 12 RBDAs in Abuja said thier role should be in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security mandate.
The inauguration, held alongside a strategic retreat scheduled for 2nd–3rd May 2025, was convened to orient the appointees on their responsibilities and align them with national goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
In his keynote address, the Minister emphasized that the strategic retreat was designed to equip appointees for effective leadership and governance aligned with government policy and ethical standards.
Prof Utsev underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and teamwork, and outlined key Federal Government initiatives—including the Partial Commercialization and Revitalization Programme, the Songhai Integrated Farming Model, the Graduate and Youth Empowerment Programme, and the River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation.
He stressed the need for strong collaboration between the Boards and Executive Management to achieve operational efficiency and national development goals.
He said key thematic areas to be covered during the 2-day retreat include, role clarification, ethical leadership, policy understanding, expanded irrigation, and inter-agency collaboration.
The Minister also urged appointees to mainstream Integrated River Basin Management principles, enhance farmland documentation, strengthen ties with state governments, comply with regulations, adopt the new Performance Management System (PMS), and pursue innovative funding strategies.
Prof. Utsev reaffirmed the Federal Government’s approval of the Partial Commercialisation Programme for all 12 RBDAs to drive public-private partnerships and promote sustainable economic development.
Speaking on behalf of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Water Resources, the Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Sada Soli, noted that water resources represent a complex and critical sector.
According to him, beyond providing drinking water, it plays a vital role in agriculture, biodiversity, and economic development.
He stressed the importance of research and development in advancing the sector and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s continued support for the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).
Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, described the retreat as a vital step in strengthening leadership and repositioning the RBDAs for national development.
He emphasized the retreat as a platform for synergy, improved governance, and capacity building to support the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mr. Pheelangwah encouraged open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and renewed dedication to service, while appreciating the organizers and wishing participants productive discussions.
Dr. Amos G. Yadukso, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, expressed appreciation to the Minister for his leadership, and to President Tinubu for entrusting them with the responsibility.
He assured that the appointees are committed to delivering on their mandate.
On behalf of the Managing Directors, Alh. Abubakar Malam, MD/CEO of Sokoto Rima RBDA and Chairman of the MD Forum, thanked the President and the Ministry’s leadership for their support.
He reaffirmed the RBDAs’ dedication to driving the Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting food security, rural development, and poverty reduction through strategic implementation and collaboration.
A statement by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry said the high point of the ceremony was the official inauguration of the appointees and the formal opening of the two-day retreat by the Honourable Minister.
