By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s dam infrastructure to enhance water security, food production, hydropower generation and climate resilience.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this on Tuesday at the 2026 National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Committee on Large Dams (NICOLD) in Abuja.
Utsev, who was represented by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, said Nigeria’s over 200 large dams remained strategic national assets that required proper management, regular maintenance and modern safety measures.
According to a statement by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Agbajor Matthew, at conference themed, “Sustainable Dams for Water, Energy and Climate Resilience", the minister identified the World Bank-supported Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project as a major initiative to strengthen dam safety, modernise irrigation infrastructure and promote hydropower development.
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He stressed the need for regular dam inspections, preventive maintenance, climate-resilient engineering and improved flood forecasting through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
Utsev urged stakeholders to translate discussions at the conference into practical recommendations that would promote sustainable dam management and improve the country's water infrastructure.
Also speaking, Dallah, who was represented by the Director II in the Department of Dams and Reservoirs, Stella Arachie, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to building institutional capacity, improving dam safety and advancing integrated water resources development.
He commended NICOLD for its contributions to professional development, technical knowledge exchange and the promotion of international best practices, assuring the committee of the ministry's continued collaboration.
Earlier, NICOLD President, Engr. Johnson Adewumi, highlighted the committee's contributions to major dam projects, professional training for Nigerian engineers and collaboration with international organisations, including the Canadian Dam Association.
Adewumi called for increased private-sector participation, adoption of modern technologies and environmentally sustainable engineering practices to address emerging challenges associated with climate change, flooding and drought.
The conference brought together government officials, engineering professionals and other stakeholders in the water and dam engineering sector to exchange knowledge and develop strategies for strengthening Nigeria's dam infrastructure, water security and climate resilience.