FG, World Bank partner to boost water access, food security

Nigeria's Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate access to safe water and bolster food security. The assurance was given by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during a meeting with a World Bank delegation in Abuja.

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The Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is anchored on improving access to safe water, achieving food security through irrigated agriculture, and creating job opportunities for the nation’s teeming population.

Utsev emphasized that the partnership with the World Bank is crucial for delivering the current administration's priorities in the water and agriculture sectors. He stated that the "Renewed Hope Agenda" focuses on expanding access to potable water, strengthening food production through irrigated agriculture, and creating jobs. "Stronger collaboration with the World Bank would fast-track the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project and other critical, high-impact projects," Utsev said.

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Stronger collaboration with the World Bank would fast-track the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project and other critical, high-impact projects being executed by the Ministry with the support of the World Bank.

The minister also confirmed Nigeria's participation in the forthcoming Africa Water Forum in N'Djamena, Chad. This forum presents an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its ongoing reforms in the water sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda and attract greater investment. The World Bank delegation, led by Task Team Leader for the SPIN Project Zack Zieglhifer, confirmed their visit was to ensure Nigeria's participation in the forum.

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The ministry would use the platform to showcase the key reforms being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda to expand access to safe and sustainable water, particularly in underserved communities, while highlighting the vast investment opportunities in Nigeria’s water sector.