The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank to improve access to safe water and enhance food security across Nigeria.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made the commitment while receiving a delegation from the World Bank in Abuja, where both parties discussed strategies to accelerate the implementation of critical water and irrigation projects.
Utsev said the partnership aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises expanded access to potable water, improved food production through irrigated agriculture, and job creation for Nigerians.
According to the minister, enhanced cooperation with the World Bank will accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, as well as other high-impact initiatives being executed by the Ministry.
He noted that the projects are expected to strengthen water infrastructure, support agricultural productivity, and contribute to the country’s broader economic development goals.
The minister also assured the World Bank delegation of Nigeria’s active participation in the forthcoming Africa Water Forum, scheduled to hold later this month in N’Djamena, Chad.
Speaking during the meeting, the World Bank Task Team Leader for the SPIN Project, Zack Zieglhifer, and Co-Task Team Leader, Chinedu Umolu, said the Africa Water Forum would bring together policymakers, development partners and key stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions to the continent’s water challenges.
They explained that the forum would feature high-level sessions aimed at fostering dialogue, shaping policy decisions and securing concrete commitments, with particular emphasis on innovative financing mechanisms to strengthen water security across Africa.
The Federal Government expressed optimism that sustained collaboration with the World Bank would help deliver improved water access, boost agricultural productivity and support Nigeria’s long-term food security objectives.
