House of Reps to Scrutinize ₦98bn Water Ministry Budget

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The House Committee on Water Resources has pledged a thorough review of the Ministry’s proposed ₦98bn budget for 2026. 

Lawmakers emphasized that strict oversight is necessary to ensure every naira spent translates into tangible value and accountability for the public.

Minister Joseph Utsev explained that the ₦98bn allocation will primarily fund the completion of ongoing dam and irrigation projects. These initiatives are designed to boost year-round farming, enhance national food security, and mitigate the impact of extreme climate events like floods and droughts.

Addressing concerns over the slow pace of 2025 projects, the Minister assured the committee that outstanding contracts would be awarded within the week.

He also noted that 17 states are currently benefiting from expanded sanitation programmes aimed at ending open defecation.

Notable achievements reported include the completion of the Kashimbila Dam, which features a 40 MW hydropower plant. Additionally, new water quality laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia, along with over 5,000 public sanitation facilities, have been established to improve national water safety.

The Committee, led by Deputy Chairman Mukhtar Chawai, resolved to conduct nationwide site inspections to verify project claims. Lawmakers have requested precise location data for all infrastructure to ensure that paper reports match the physical reality on the ground.

Effective water management remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s strategy to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The House remains committed to monitoring these investments closely, viewing them as essential for rural employment, economic growth, and long-term climate resilience.