The Federal Government has pledged to complete ongoing dam projects across Nigeria, including the Doma and Fari-Ruwa dams in Nasarawa State.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, made this commitment during a strategic meeting with the Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule, in Abuja.
Utsev pointed out the significance of these dams in ensuring food security and providing safe and potable water for all Nigerians.
He stated that the completion of the Doma and Fari-Ruwa dams, capable of generating 25 megawatts of hydropower, would be a game-changer for the region.
”From the north-central of Nigeria, we have considered Doma Dam a priority project, and if completed and well established, it’ll not only provide a water supply component; the hydropower component will also be established along with the irrigation facilities that are there.
“We have put one or two things in place to see how we can complete the Doma dam. From the 2024 budget, we have made provisions for the Faro-Riwa Dam, and we are also seeking additional funding for it in addition to other dams and other irrigation facilities and other water supply components we have in the country.” Utsev said.
The Minister also mentioned an ongoing study on inter-transfer water from the Gurara to the lower Usman dam, aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
He urged state governments to support the Clean Nigeria project campaign to achieve open defecation-free status by 2025.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, expressed appreciation for the federal government’s support in developing the dams and other intervention projects in the state.
Sule stated the importance of these projects in propelling the state’s development agenda.
”We are working hard to be able to develop the state so we can meet up with the other big brother states that have been there for a very, very long time.
“So that is the reason why anything development that is coming to our state, we don’t take it lightly. We rush to see how we can benefit and achieve it.” Governor Sule stated.
Ahmed Gana, the General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, stated the need for support from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the federal government, citing the state’s proximity to Abuja.
Federal Government vows completion of Doma, Fari-Ruwa dams projects
