The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has called on State governments and investors to increase investments in irrigation infrastructure development across the country.
According to the minister, this will help boost food production in Nigeria and ensure economic growth and job creation.
In a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs Funmi Imuetinyan recently at the commissioning of the Rafin Yashi Dam and irrigation scheme in Minna, Niger State, the Minister urged other River Basin Development Authorities in the country to emulate the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority in the promotion of Agro-and- Eco Tourism potentials of their Dams to boost the socio-economic activities in the country and enhance the partial commercialisation initiative of the Federal Government.
Utsev reiterated the administration’s commitment to the partial commercialization of dams and other key projects of the River Basin Development Authorities across the country urging states and private investors to synergize with the River Basin Authorities to utilize their full potentials adding that the ministry will provide the bulk water and expertise that will enable them meet targets for local food consumption and export.
According to him, “we have the dams, the water and the expertise, we encourage state governments and investors to collaborate with us to meet the targets of expanding irrigation development, food production and harness the economic potentials of the River Basins. “
He reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians, revive the economy, boost food production stressing that once the mandate on food production has been achieved, job creation and security will improve while better life will be assured for all Nigerians.
Speaking during the commissioning, the Managing Director of Upper Niger River Basin Authority, Prof. Abdulkarim Ali disclosed that the Rafin Yashi Dam is a unique concept with high capacity dual concrete reservoirs that provides water for both Rafin Yashi irrigation scheme and the Songhai integrated farm.
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