The Nigerian government plans to finalise the multipurpose Farin Ruwa Dam project in Nasarawa State, North Central Region of Nigeria, highlighting its significance for water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, and job creation in the region.
Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, revealed this during a meeting with Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, at his office in Abuja.
Utsev emphasised that the strategic positioning of the Farin Ruwa Multipurpose Dam project in Nasarawa State, near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states, underscores its potential impact on regional development, aligning with government objectives.
The Minister informed Governor Abdullahi that the Farin Ruwa Dam, with a hydro-power capacity of approximately 25mgts, has been included in the 2024 budget appropriation, and construction is underway.
Upon completion, the dam will ensure sufficient water supply for households, irrigation, hydropower generation, and more, benefiting not only Nasarawa State but also Benue State and the FCT, according to Utsev. He also noted that the project will promote job creation, wealth generation, and food security.
Additionally, Utsev mentioned that the Doma Dam in Nasarawa State is among those earmarked for rehabilitation by the Federal Government.
Expressing gratitude for the governor’s visit, Utsev reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the Nasarawa State government on initiatives related to food security, water supply, and hydropower generation.
He emphasised the vital role of the federal government in implementing water and sanitation programmes across states and encouraged active participation from state governments in collaborative efforts for citizens’ mutual welfare.
The Minister urged the Governor to embrace the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign’ to facilitate Nasarawa State’s registration among open defecation-free (ODF) states, aligning with the national goal of achieving ODF status by 2025.
He highlighted the campaign’s importance in eradicating waterborne diseases like typhoid fever, diarrhoea, and malaria, thereby promoting public health and contributing to national prosperity.
In his remarks, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, emphasised the Ministry’s significance in realising the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Governor reiterated Nasarawa State’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry, particularly in counterpart projects tailored for state governments.