By James Isaac
The Senate has called for an increased budget allocation to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for 2025, raising concerns over N40 billion in multilateral and bilateral loan deductions that could significantly impact the ministry’s operations. During a budget defence session, the Senate Committee on Water Resources, led by Senator Kenneth Chukwuemeka Eze, expressed dissatisfaction with the deductions, warning that they could leave the ministry with inadequate funds to execute crucial projects.
Senator Eze emphasized the need for more resources to address the devastating annual flooding that has wreaked economic and social havoc across the nation. He questioned the financial projections for 2025, noted that a substantial portion of the ministry’s budget has been consumed by loan repayments.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, revealed that the deductions have left the ministry with only N57.7 billion for its activities. He outlined the ministry’s priorities, which include completing ongoing dam and irrigation projects to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. Prof. Utsev also highlighted the need for aggressive implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, as well as flood and drought mitigation measures.
Prof. Utsev proposed collaboration with the private sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements for dam and hydropower projects and partnerships with international organizations to scale up sustainable water management and sanitation initiatives. He appealed to the Senate for increased budget allocations, stressing that adequate funding is essential for the ministry to complete vital projects that contribute to job creation, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
The Senate pledged its support for the ministry’s efforts, urging enhanced public awareness campaigns to end open defecation and address recurring flooding disasters. They called on the ministry to work closely with the legislature and assured their intervention in securing additional funding from the presidency.
The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to supporting the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in improving water management, sanitation, and flood control, aiming for long-term benefits for all Nigerians.
