CBDA PARTICIPATES IN MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES’ NATIONAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ON WASH, IRRIGATION & FLOOD MANAGEMENT

The Managing Director of the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA), Alhaji Tijjani Musa Tumsah, OON, joined the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, alongside other River Basin Development Authority heads, at a high-level national stakeholder engagement convened in Abuja in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to strengthen accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance in the WASH and water-resource sectors.

During the briefing, the Minister highlighted significant achievements recorded over the past two years, including major progress on strategic dam and irrigation projects nationwide. He noted the near completion of the Mangu Dam (90%), Adada Dam (78%), and ongoing upgrades across several others. He also commended the progress on Alau Dam in Borno State, which continues to improve flood control and potable water supply for communities in Maiduguri.

The Ministry also announced the successful concessioning of key national infrastructure—including the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant—which has already generated more than ₦7 billion in commencement fees for the Federal Government. Several new hydropower and irrigation concessions are also underway to strengthen private-sector participation in water-resource management.

In irrigation and food security, over 2,000 hectares of irrigable land were handed over to farmers at Dadin Kowa in Gombe, with major upgrades ongoing at the Middle Rima Valley and Middle Ogun irrigation schemes. Small-scale renewable-energy-powered irrigation systems have also been expanded across Jigawa, Oyo, Kwara, and Kebbi States.

Across the country, more than 6,700 water schemes have been completed or rehabilitated, delivering safe drinking water to over 32 million Nigerians, while an additional 500 new rural water supply projects were executed during the period under review. The Clean Nigeria Campaign also recorded major milestones, with 5,238 sanitation facilities constructed and 162 LGAs certified Open Defecation Free.

As part of national climate-risk preparedness, the Ministry launched the 2024 and 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, identifying high-risk communities and rolling out new initiatives such as the National Flood Insurance Programme, Integrated Climate Resilience Innovation Project, and the Annual Drought Outlook.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, reaffirmed that water and sanitation remain central to public health, food security, environmental stability, and national development.

The CBDA remains committed to supporting federal efforts and advancing sustainable water, irrigation, and flood-management solutions across Borno, Yobe, and northern Adamawa States