The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has stated that the federal government intends to harness the full potential of the 12 River Basins in the country as a strategy to combat poverty. This declaration was made during the minister’s visit to the Upper River Basin Development Authority in Minna, Niger State, where he also inaugurated agro-tourism facilities.
Emphasizing the necessity for increased collaboration with relevant stakeholders, Prof Utsev highlighted the importance of accelerating the realization of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative for food sufficiency. The minister clarified that his tour of the 12 River Basins was geared towards expediting the implementation of President Tinubu’s agenda to alleviate hunger and poverty in Nigeria while fostering greater synergy with relevant stakeholders.
During the visit, the minister was guided through various water facilities, including the Heavy Duty Equipment Stand Empowerment Centre and Songhai Integrated Farm, where he awarded certificates of graduation to trainees from the farm center.