Utsev Lauds World Bank’s Contributions To Water Mgt

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has commended the World Bank for its significant contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in the areas of sustainable infrastructure and water resource management.

Professor Utsev gave the commendation when he hosted the World Bank Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Chakib Jenane, senior management staff of the Bank and the Country Director, Ndiame Diop in Abuja.

The Minister expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the World Bank’s continuous support on projects that mostly impacted the lives of Nigerians.

He assured the delegation that all policies and projects backed by the World Bank would receive counterpart support from the Nigeria government, particularly projects which falls within the ambit of technical expertise in order to ensure the successful realization of these projects for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Professor Utsev who noted the urgency of completing the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to meet the project’s January 2025 deadline.

On his part, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, aappreciated the World Bank team for approving the SPIN project.

Goronyo reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the project and see it through effectively.

Earlier, the World Bank Regional Director for Sustainable Infrastructure Development for West and Central Africa, Chakib Jenane, stated that the Bank has approved $500 million SPIN project, which was granted during its Board meeting.

Jenane emphasized the need for Nigeria to continue preparations to meet the remaining conditions necessary for the project’s effectiveness, which is slated for January 2025.

“In addition to the SPIN project, the Bank team discussed the TRIMING project, which is due soon and also provided updates on the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, highlighting the importance of involving more states in the initiative” he added.

“Moreover, the World Bank team encouraged the Ministry to explore the establishment of a National WASH Fund, which is to be achieved by the Ministry under the Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 1 of the SURWASH program.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji