Nigeria Seeks Increased World Bank Support for Water Infrastructure Upgrades

Strategic Insights -

Nigeria's Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged the World Bank to increase its support for the country's plans to upgrade existing dams and develop new irrigation systems. This support aims to advance the Federal Government's vision of achieving food security and boosting hydropower generation. The appeal was made during a meeting with a World Bank delegation led by Senior Water Resources Management Specialist, Mr Chinedu Umolu, where Utsev acknowledged the bank's past contributions to Nigeria's water resources sector but emphasized the need for additional assistance to meet the growing demands of the agricultural and energy sectors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prof. Joseph Utsev, Nigeria's Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has appealed to the World Bank to increase its support for the country's plans to upgrade existing dams and develop new irrigation systems.
  • The enhanced support is expected to advance the Federal Government's vision of achieving food security and boosting hydropower generation, as well as scale up irrigation farming, boost food production, generate employment, and enhance hydropower supply.
  • Several states have expressed interest in participating in the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project, underscoring the need for more financial backing to allow widespread implementation.
  • The World Bank has praised the support of the Tinubu administration and commended Utsev's proactive leadership in facilitating the commencement of the SPIN project.
  • The SPIN project aims to build on the successes of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which focused on modernising irrigation systems, improving water management, and increasing agricultural productivity in key farming regions.
  • Prof. Utsev assured the World Bank of the federal government's commitment to a smooth rollout of the SPIN project and a long-term partnership.
  • Mr. Chinedu Umolu presented the successful completion of the TRIMING project to the minister, observing that the enthusiasm shown by states in joining the SPIN project speaks volumes about the federal government's commitment to transforming irrigation and power infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria plans to upgrade existing dams and develop new irrigation systems to advance food security and boost hydropower generation.
  • The Federal Government aims to scale up irrigation farming, boost food production, generate employment, and enhance hydropower supply.
  • Several states have expressed interest in participating in the SPIN project.
  • The World Bank plans to support the implementation of the SPIN project.
  • The SPIN project is expected to build on the successes of the TRIMING project.

Sources:

  • "News Agency of Nigeria, 'Nigeria Seeks Increased World Bank Support for Water Infrastructure Upgrades', 23 May 2025."