Lawmakers Query 2025 Spending, Plan Nationwide Dam Projects Audit

The House of representatives has announced plans to conduct nationwide inspection of dam and irrigation projects after questioning the implementation record of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

The decision followed a budget defence session in which the minister, Joseph Utsev, presented a proposed ₦98 billion budget for 2026 and reviewed the ministry’s 2025 performance before the House Committee on Water Resources.

Members raised concerns over the pace of capital projects execution and requested detailed breakdowns of 5,238 public sanitation facilities the ministry said it constructed nationwide.

Utsev told lawmakers that the 2026 allocation would focus on completing ongoing dam and irrigation schemes to support agriculture and strengthen food security.

He also cited climate-related interventions, expansion of water and sanitation programmes in 17 states, and progress on renewable energy-powered micro irrigation systems.

The minister highlighted the completion of the Kashambila Dam, which includes a 40-megawatt hydropower plant, as well as two national water quality reference laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia.

Despite acknowledging the reported milestones, lawmakers said physical verification of projects was necessary to ensure value for money.

The committee resolved to embark on oversight visits across the country in the coming weeks.

The session was presided over by the Deputy Chairman Mukhtar Chawai, while Chairman Sada Soli participated as a member.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji