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By Tracy Moses
Federal lawmakers on Monday vowed to ensure accountability in the implementation of the ₦98 billion 2026 budget for the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, pledging nationwide inspections of dams, irrigation projects, and other water infrastructure to verify progress and value for money.
The commitment came during a comprehensive budget defence session by the House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources, which engaged the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, alongside senior Ministry officials. The session focused on both the 2026 budget proposal and the execution of the 2025 appropriation.
Minister Highlights Achievements and Ongoing Projects
Engr. Utsev told the Committee that the ₦98 billion allocation is primarily targeted at completing ongoing dam and irrigation projects across the country, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening national food security.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s focus on flood and drought mitigation, noting the growing challenges posed by climate variability.
The Minister provided updates on the Ministry’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, aimed at ending open defecation nationwide.
He revealed that 17 states are currently benefiting from the expansion of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme and the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) initiative.
Among the key achievements he cited were the completion of the Kashambila Dam, which includes a 40-megawatt hydropower plant and an airstrip developed through a Public-Private Partnership. He also reported progress on major dam projects nationwide and the delivery of 2,000 hectares of irrigable land to farmers.
In addition, Utsev announced the completion of two national water quality reference laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia to strengthen water safety monitoring and regulatory compliance.
He added that 5,238 public sanitation facilities have been constructed across the country, though Committee members requested detailed locations for verification.
Committee Demands Greater Transparency
While commending the Ministry’s achievements, lawmakers expressed concern about the level of implementation of the 2025 budget, particularly regarding capital projects. Members stressed that appropriated funds must translate into visible benefits for citizens.
In response, Utsev assured the Committee that all outstanding projects would be awarded within the coming week and pledged improved execution moving forward. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with the National Assembly.
At the close of the session, the Committee resolved to undertake nationwide inspection visits to ongoing dam and irrigation projects to independently verify progress.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Mukhtar Chawai, noted that diligent oversight is critical, emphasizing that effective management of water resources underpins food security, climate resilience, economic growth, and public health outcomes.
The meeting was presided over by Chawai, while the substantive Chairman, Hon. Sada Soli, opted to take his seat as an ordinary member during the session, a rare gesture demonstrating institutional respect and collegiality within the Committe