The Federal Government has reaffirmed its partnership with the World Bank to expand access to safe water, strengthen irrigation and improve food security through the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the World Bank to expand access to safe water and strengthen food security across Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving a World Bank delegation led by the Task Team Leader for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, Zack Zieglhifer, in Abuja.
Utsev said the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda places priority on improving access to safe water, increasing agricultural productivity through irrigation and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.
According to the minister, stronger collaboration with the World Bank will accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project and other strategic initiatives being executed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
He also confirmed Nigeria’s participation in the forthcoming Africa Water Forum, scheduled to take place later in July in N’Djamena.
Utsev said the country would use the forum to showcase ongoing reforms aimed at expanding access to safe and sustainable water, particularly in underserved communities, while promoting investment opportunities in Nigeria’s water sector.
Earlier, the World Bank delegation, led by SPIN Project Task Team Leader Zack Zieglhifer and Co-Task Team Leader Mr. Chinedu Umolu, said their visit was to confirm the ministry’s participation in the Africa Water Forum.
They explained that the forum, jointly organised by West African countries, the World Bank and other development partners, would provide a platform for high-level discussions on water security across the continent.
According to the delegation, the meeting will focus on innovative financing mechanisms, stronger regional cooperation and policy initiatives aimed at improving access to sustainable water resources across Africa.
They added that the forum is expected to promote dialogue among governments and development partners, shape policy decisions and secure commitments to strengthen water security and support sustainable development across the continent.
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