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River Basins: 100 Civil Society Groups Commend Minister Utsev’s Innovative Approaches, Repositioning of Agencies for Productivity
100 civil society groups across Africa have praised Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, for his groundbreaking initiatives in transforming Nigeria’s river basins.
Dr. Kolawole Alabi, the Executive Director of Transparency Watch Initiative (TWI) and Comrade Dangana Davies, the President of Good Governance Advocates in Africa (GGAA) made this known in a press statement.
Under Professor Utsev’s leadership, the groups said the Ministry has introduced innovative approaches to sustainable management and development of river basins, revitalizing ailing irrigation schemes, and promoting integrated water resources management.
These efforts, they said, have significantly improved water security, agricultural productivity, and food security, benefiting millions of Nigerians.
According to the groups, the Minister’s commitment to a water-secure Nigeria has also led to the construction of thousands of water schemes and sanitation facilities, serving over 32 million people.
The civil society groups commended Professor Utsev’s proactive approach to water analysis, his commitment to addressing concerns, and his leadership in repositioning the Ministry and its agencies for productivity.
“Wish to express our profound appreciation for the innovative approaches and leadership demonstrated by Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, in transforming Nigeria’s river basins,” the statement said.
“Professor Utsev has introduced groundbreaking initiatives in the 12 Lower Benue River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), prioritizing sustainable management and development of river basins. He has revitalized ailing irrigation schemes through creative solutions, enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.
“A monitoring and evaluation framework has been implemented to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Integrated water resources management has been promoted, ensuring equitable allocation and efficient use of water resources. Cutting-edge technologies have been introduced for water harvesting, storage, and distribution, reducing waste and improving water supply.
“These innovations have had a profoundly positive impact on Nigeria’s river basins, including improved water security and availability for millions of people, enhanced agricultural productivity and food security, increased economic activities and job creation in rural areas, better management and conservation of water resources, and reduced conflicts over water resources.
“Under Professor Utsev’s leadership, the Ministry has made significant strides in water infrastructure development, irrigation projects, and water supply expansion, thereby enhancing the nation’s water security.
“His commitment to a water-secure Nigeria has led to the implementation of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring equal access to clean water and sanitation for all citizens.
“We commend the Minister for constructing thousands of water schemes in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, benefiting approximately 32 million people. His efforts in the sanitation sub-sector have resulted in the construction of thousands of sanitation facilities in institutions and public places, serving 550,820 persons across 127 Local Government Areas.
“The Minister’s proactive approach to water analysis, aimed at safeguarding Nigerians and curtailing the spread of Cholera, is particularly noteworthy. Recently, the Minister’s inspection visit to the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe State demonstrated his commitment to addressing concerns and ensuring the dam’s stability. “
The groups, however, urged the Minister to continue his outstanding work and encouraged other stakeholders to support his initiatives.
The statement added: “We recognize Professor Utsev’s exceptional leadership and innovative approaches, which have repositioned the Ministry and its agencies for productivity.
“His efforts have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s water security and sanitation development. We urge the Minister to continue his outstanding work and encourage other stakeholders to support his initiatives.”
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its intention to contest the 2027 presidential election despite the decision of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The party said Wike’s decision was personal and did not alter its position to participate in the presidential election with its candidate, Senator Sandy Onor. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, made the clarification on Wednesday.
According to the party, a recent conversation between Wike and Onor should not be interpreted as a political negotiation between the minister and the PDP.
“He told Nigerians that Sandy is his friend. And they only had a friendly discussion within the umbrella of friendship. So, that is just a personal discussion between him and his friend,” Mohammed said.
He added that Wike’s support for Tinubu did not prevent the PDP from fielding candidates for the presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
Wike had earlier clarified that his support in 2027 was specifically for Tinubu’s presidential re-election and did not amount to an agreement that the PDP would withdraw from other electoral contests. He also said he never promised that the PDP would abandon its candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
“I said I will support the President from day one. I never told Mr President I will join APC,” Wike said.
The minister also maintained that his proposed Rainbow Coalition was not an arrangement with the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather a platform through which politicians from different parties could mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election.
The issue has generated disagreement with some APC governors, who have expressed concern about a political arrangement that could affect the party’s candidates at other levels.
APC Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, said the governors would not support any alliance or arrangement that could weaken the APC or adversely affect its candidates.
Meanwhile, APC presidential campaign council spokesperson Ima Niboro has urged Wike and APC governors to end their public exchanges and concentrate on political mobilisation.
“When I said tone down the rhetoric, I do not mean stop working. Stop talking, go and work,” Niboro said.
He urged political leaders to strengthen their grassroots structures and engage directly with voters rather than continue exchanging statements in the media.
“All this shouting is not taking anybody anywhere. Go and work. Go and establish your authority on your political base,” he said.
HONOURABLE JAFAARU YAKUBU COMMISERATES WITH QATAR OVER THE DEATH OF RULER
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