BY BOLARIWA ABBEY ABIDEEN

Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has emphasized the importance of partnering with UNIDO to bolster dams for hydropower and agricultural advancements in the country as it will be needed in addressing power shortages and boosting food production.

The minister disclosed this when the National Programme Officer, UNIDO, Dr. Osu Inya Otu, and his team paid him a visit at his office on Thursday in Abuja.

He noted that ongoing dams will be completed and already completed ones will be enhanced to boost efforts in hydropower generation, irrigation farming and improved use of irrigation equipment to enhance agricultural productivity.

He said the government is committed to strengthen various sectors, particularly focusing on food security through enhanced hydropower and irrigation farming practices nationwide.

Utsev assured UNIDO of the ministry’s support. He highlighted readiness to collaborate and provide technical assistance for successful implementation of UNIDO projects in the water sector.

Mean while, Dr. Otu echoed the importance of water resources in hydropower production and outlined upcoming initiatives to establish six hydropower stations across Nigeria in order to generate electricity for productive use and thereby seek collaboration with the ministry for project success.

The courtesy visit also included the presence of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, and Technical Directors.