From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, has emphasized the importance of collaboration with hydropower professionals to address multifaceted challenges and contribute to Nigeria’s socioeconomic advancement.
Utsev made this statement while hosting the President of the Nigeria Hydropower Professionals Association, Imo Ekpo, and his members in Abuja.
He highlighted the need to leverage the expertise of hydropower professionals to enhance power provision for farmers, drive irrigation potential, and bolster job creation and food security nationwide.
“Tapping into this pool of knowledge will not only reduce production costs but will also improve the livelihoods of citizens across the country significantly,” Utsev said.
The minister also emphasized the significance of the SPIN project, a collaborative effort between the World Bank and the Federal Government, which contains hydropower components beneficial to stakeholders in the sector.
“Once fully operational, the SPIN project will make power available for farmers and also drive irrigation facilities,” Utsev said.
The Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, applauded the professionals for their expertise and knowledge in managing hydropower infrastructure. He emphasized the need for capacity building and mentoring, stating that “there is no developed society without energy, security, and sufficiency.”
The Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, encouraged collaboration with the professionals and affirmed that efficient hydropower plants can benefit surrounding communities and reduce the burden on the National Grid.
Ekpo, the President of the Nigeria Hydropower Professionals Association, emphasized that the Association’s mission to advance sustainable hydropower perfectly aligns with the government’s agenda. He added that partnership could catalyze the realization of this potential, ushering in a new era of economic growth and environmental stewardship.
“The immense potential of hydropower development in Nigeria, exceeding 85% untapped capacity, presents a significant opportunity to address critical challenges such as electricity generation, water management, and climate change mitigation,” Ekpo said.
He also highlighted initiatives like the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN) as a concerted effort to modernize existing systems and ensure vast hydropower potential.
“Through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships, the Association is poised to amplify the values and benefits of the hydropower industry, ultimately contributing to enhanced irrigation, water supply, and economic development,” Ekpo concluded.