FG To Boost Food Production, Sanitation Nationwide 

By Georgina Humphrey 

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to boost food production and enhance sanitation in collaboration with state governments.

The Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev made this known at a media roundtable with water correspondents.

Prof Utsev said he had also visited sixteen state governors since he assumed office in August to seek partnership to boost food production and enhance sanitation.

The minister who promised to visit the remaining governors next year, urged stakeholders to key into the federal Goverment’s farming drive and the “Clean Nigeria, Use a Toilet” campaign being championed by the ministry.

The minister lamented the unwillingness of citizens to use toilets even where they are available and called for attitudinal change to eradicate open defecation in the country.

Utsev maintained that the ministry would do everything within its powers to promote environmental sustainability, job creation and economic growth in line with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that a monitoring and evaluation framework had been set up to assist in achieving set objectives.

“Our plans for dams, irrigation, water quality and water supply in the coming years, will be to complete all ongoing projects and ensure that the priority area of the mandate of the ministry are achieved in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president in the water sector.

Professor Utsev stressed that plans have been concluded to award best performing managing Director in the twelve river basin development authorities for ministerial excellence award.

Earlier in her welcome address, the director press and public relations unit, in the ministry, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan appreciated the correspondents for their commitment and support towards the promotion of the water sector’s activities.

Edited By Grace Namiji