Prof Utsev Seeks More Funding To Ensure Food Security

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has called for a surge in funding to ensure food security across the nation.

Prof. Utsev made the plea when he hosted incoming Country Director of the World Bank to Nigeria, Mr. Ndiame Diop, accompanied by his team, in his office in Abuja.

The Minister while Highlighting the paramount importance of allocating resources towards food security, underscored its potential to spur employment opportunities and curtail criminal activities nationwide.

Prof. Utsev reiterated the ministry’s anticipation of additional funding from the World Bank to facilitate implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN) expressing optimism that the project would not only create job opportunities for youths but also bolster power generation, economic growth and food security.

He stressed the necessity of fostering a robust partnership between the World Bank and the Ministry to effectively pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Acknowledging the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, for his commendable service, Prof. Utsev who extended gratitude and best wishes in his future endeavors also extended encouragement and support to the incoming Director, Mr. Ndiame Diop, for a fruitful tenure ahead.

On his part the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alh. Aliyu Shehu Shinkafi, emphasized the imperative of streamlining administrative processes within the World Bank to expedite fund disbursement for projects execution.

In his remarks, incoming World Bank Country Director to Nigeria, Mr. Ndiame Diop, expressed eagerness for a strengthened partnership and continued collaboration with the Ministry.

Mr. Diop, stressed the significance of sustained financial support for the Ministry’s projects and programs.

In his presentation, the outgoing World Bank Country Director to Nigeria,
Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, conveyed gratitude to Nigeria and the Ministry for their exemplary partnership.

Mr. Chaudhuri, lauded Nigeria’s strides in the Water and Sanitation sector and assured continued support from the incoming Director to further advance the nation’s development goals.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji