The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank to expand access to safe water, boost food security, and accelerate key irrigation projects across Nigeria.
ABUJA, FCT – July 1, 2026
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank to improve access to safe water, enhance food security, and accelerate the implementation of critical water infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made the commitment on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the World Bank at his office in Abuja. He said the partnership aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, which prioritises safe water access, irrigated agriculture, and job creation.
Prof. Utsev said deeper collaboration with the World Bank would help fast-track the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project alongside other high-impact initiatives being executed by the Ministry.
According to the minister, expanding irrigation infrastructure is central to improving agricultural productivity and strengthening Nigeria's food security while increasing economic opportunities for citizens.
He added that the Ministry remains committed to working closely with development partners to deliver sustainable water supply and sanitation services, particularly to underserved communities.
The minister also confirmed Nigeria's participation in the forthcoming Africa Water Forum scheduled to take place later this month in N'Djamena, Chad.
He said the event would provide an opportunity for the Ministry to showcase reforms being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda to expand access to safe and sustainable water while highlighting investment opportunities in Nigeria's water sector.
Prof. Utsev noted that attracting investment into the sector would complement government efforts to improve water infrastructure and promote long-term development.
Earlier, the World Bank's Task Team Leader for the SPIN Project, Zack Zieglhifer, alongside Co-Task Team Leader, Engr. Chinedu Umolu, said their visit was to confirm the Ministry's participation in the Africa Water Forum.
They explained that the forum, hosted by West African countries, the World Bank and other development partners, would feature high-level discussions aimed at shaping policy decisions and securing tangible commitments toward water security across Africa.
According to the delegation, a major focus of the gathering will be innovative financing mechanisms to strengthen water security and support sustainable development across the continent.
The meeting underscores the Federal Government's continued engagement with international development partners as it seeks to improve water infrastructure, expand irrigation, and enhance national food security.
More on Agric Policy