25 state governments will be beneficiaries of the newly approved $500m World Bank loan to improve water resource management for hydropower and irrigation.

This was as the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Ministry of Power, on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Bank for the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria project.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

The latest development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, in Abuja.

The states include Benue, Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Niger, Gombe, Sokoto, Enugu, Bauchi, Cross River, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Kebbi, Plateau, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Abia, Kwara, Imo, Taraba, Kano, Delta, Osun, Jigawa, Edo, and Kogi.

The statement noted that the initiative aims to enhance dam safety, improve water resource management, and boost hydropower and irrigation systems nationwide.

“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Ministry of Power have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria project.

“The 500 million dollar World Bank SPIN project aims to enhance dam safety and improve water resource management for hydropower and irrigation across 25 states.

In his address, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emphasised the partnership’s importance in advancing sustainable hydropower development and enhancing Nigeria’s energy security.

He disclosed that despite abundant water resources, only 2 per cent of the country’s 14-gigawatt hydropower potential has been utilized, leaving vast opportunities untapped.

He said, “Hydropower currently contributes about 20 per cent of Nigeria’s grid supply, with a potential estimated at 14GW (14000 megawatts) of which only 15 per cent has been tapped.

“This collaboration underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging our natural resources for sustainable development.

“Through SPIN, we aim to optimize water resources to provide clean and reliable energy while supporting irrigation and agriculture for enhanced food security.”

Adelabu highlighted the MoU as a key step toward harnessing renewable energy, optimizing natural resources, and diversifying the energy mix in line with the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.

He noted the initiative’s potential to transform the energy landscape and provide sustainable power for millions.

He further stated that under the current federal government administration, measures such as the Electricity Act 2023 are decentralizing the electricity market and enabling subnational governments’ participation.

Adelabu stressed the role of decentralized power systems in enhancing reliability and reducing risks to the national grid.

He also pointed out northern Nigeria’s solar potential, with 8 to 12 hours of daily sunshine, and reaffirmed the commitment to leveraging hydropower and fostering partnerships for a sustainable energy future.

Utsev described the SPIN project as pivotal to boosting food production, creating jobs, and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

He commended the World Bank as a trusted partner in the country’s development, highlighting the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria project, which concludes in January 2025, as a foundation for innovative solutions in water and agriculture.

As Chairman of the SPIN Preparatory Team, Utsev reaffirmed the ministries’ and partners’ full commitment to the project’s success, expressing confidence in its potential to address Nigeria’s irrigation needs and deliver significant benefits to citizens.

“We are confident that the SPIN project will build on this legacy by boosting food production and meeting the irrigation needs of our growing population,” he added.

“Our collective efforts have brought us to this significant moment, and I am confident that SPIN will deliver the tangible benefits Nigerians are eagerly anticipating,” he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has taken a positive step toward reclaiming political leadership in the state by forming a Shadow House of Assembly.

This initiative aims to ensure accountability in governance and strengthen the party’s preparation for the 2027 elections.

The announcement was made by the PDP State Chairman, Abraham Amah, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia on Tuesday. Amah revealed that the Shadow House of Assembly would be led by Solomon Akpulonu, the member representing Obingwa East State Constituency, who will serve as the Speaker.

According to Amah, the party will formally notify the Abia State House of Assembly about the establishment of the Shadow Assembly within the next 48 hours. He urged the legislature to recognize the PDP’s move as part of democratic principles, emphasizing the role of opposition in fostering transparency and accountability in governance.

“This is a bold step towards ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people of Abia State,” Amah stated. “The Shadow House of Assembly will monitor government policies and actions, providing constructive criticism and alternative solutions where necessary.”

Beyond governance oversight, the PDP’s initiative signals its intent to rebuild its political structure and regain public trust following its loss in the 2023 elections. The party has also established a reconciliation committee co-chaired by Abraham Amah and Peter Aguomba. The committee is tasked with mending internal divisions, addressing grievances, and reaching out to former party members who defected to other political parties after the previous polls.

Amah used the opportunity to address the current insecurity in Abia State, dismissing claims that the PDP or the opposition were responsible. He reiterated the party’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in the state.

As part of the broader strategy to reclaim Abia State, Amah expressed confidence in the PDP’s prospects for 2027, emphasizing the importance of unity among party members. “We are taking these deliberate steps to reposition this party and return it to governance by 2027,” he said.

He also praised the stakeholders and members of the party for their steadfastness despite past challenges. “Your loyalty and dedication to the PDP are what keep this party alive,” he remarked, urging them to remain united and focused on the task ahead.

The formation of a Shadow House of Assembly is a significant move for the PDP, reflecting a more strategic and issue-focused opposition approach. Analysts believe this initiative could help the party reconnect with voters by demonstrating its readiness to govern responsibly.

As the 2027 elections approach, the PDP’s ability to reconcile its internal divisions, strengthen its organizational structure, and present a compelling alternative to the electorate will be critical to its chances of reclaiming power in Abia State. The coming months are expected to reveal how effectively the party can implement its plans and regain its foothold in the state’s political landscape.

Members of the Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Monday stormed the party secretariat with various placards, protesting alleged plans to reinstate the ousted state chairman of the party.

It was gathered that the protest was carried out by the ward and local government chapters of the PDP across the state.

The protesters, armed with placards with various inscriptions, threatened to leave the party should the removed chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem, be reinstated.

Some of the placards read: ‘Ikem must go’, ‘All ward and local government chapters rejects Vena’, and, ‘The decision of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) is the best for the party’.

According to the protesters, who were led by the Calabar Municipality chairman, Mr Bassey Asuquo, the removal of Ikem was the best thing to have happened to the party.

Asuquo said that the party faithful no longer wanted Ikem as the party chairman. His leadership had stagnated the growth of the party in Cross River, he added.

“We the chapter leadership across the state are in support of anything, including the removal of anyone, that will make the party grow.

“The national leadership should let Ikem go for the good of PDP in Cross River. If Ikem is not removed, we will leave the party for him,” he stated.

On his part, Chief Dennis Nkiri, deputy state chairman of the party, who received the protesters, assured them that the right thing would be done for the growth of the party.

Similarly, Mr. Mike Ojisi, state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, said: “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink.”

Recall that the State WorkC of the party had, a fortnight ago, removed Ikem over allegations of financial misappropriation, high-handedness, and ineptitude.

On his part, the ousted chairman had described his removal as unconstitutional and threatened legal action.