By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources has thrown its weight behind a proposed N98 billion allocation for the water sector in 2026, signalling support for plans to complete key dam and irrigation schemes across the country.
The endorsement came during a detailed budget defence session with the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, who appeared before the committee alongside senior officials of the ministry to review 2025 performance and outline priorities for the coming year. 
At the centre of the proposal is a push to finish ongoing dam and irrigation projects aimed at strengthening agriculture and improving food security. The ministry also placed flood and drought control high on its agenda, citing increasing climate pressures.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes are set to receive renewed attention, with a continued drive to end open defecation nationwide. Officials disclosed that 17 states are currently benefiting from expanded interventions under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme and the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene initiative.
In its performance review, the ministry pointed to the completion of the Kashimbila Dam project, which includes a 40-megawatt hydropower plant and an airstrip delivered through a public-private partnership. It also reported progress on other major dams and confirmed that 2,000 hectares of irrigable land had been handed over to farmers.
Two national water quality reference laboratories have been completed in Asaba and Umuahia to strengthen water safety monitoring, while 5,238 public sanitation facilities have been constructed across the country. Committee members, however, asked for a breakdown of where the facilities are located to enable proper verification.
The Minister further highlighted the rollout of renewable energy-powered micro irrigation schemes and the creation of Water Users Associations to encourage sustainability and community ownership. It also referenced ongoing reforms supported by the World Bank-backed SPIN initiative, which now covers 26 states.
Despite acknowledging some achievements, lawmakers voiced concern about the pace of capital project implementation under the 2025 budget. The minister assured the committee that outstanding projects would be awarded within days and pledged improved delivery.
At the close of the session, the committee resolved to embark on nationwide inspection visits to dam and irrigation sites to independently assess progress and ensure value for money.
The meeting was presided over by Deputy Chairman, Rep. Mukhtar Chawai, while Committee Chairman Rep. Sada Soli participated from the floor as an ordinary member — a move colleagues described as a mark of respect for procedure and institutional balance.
Lawmakers maintained that effective water management remains vital to national development, agricultural productivity, climate resilience and public health, pledging continued scrutiny as implementation unfolds.
