FG Delivers Dams, Earns ₦7.1 Billion from Hydropower Concession
Abiodun Folarin
The Federal Government has completed and commissioned three new dams to boost irrigation for agriculture and power generation and has sealed a major concession deal that has already generated over ₦7.1 billion.
Speaking at the ministerial press briefing on Friday in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced the completion of the Rafin Yashin Multipurpose Dam in Niger State, the Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi State, and the Amla Otukpo Dam in Benue State.
According to Prof. Utsev, the projects are aimed at revolutionizing power generation, enhancing irrigation for agriculture, and improving water supply in surrounding communities.
He explained that the 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba State and the newly developed Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport have been successfully concessioned under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This has generated ₦7.12 billion as a commencement fee for the first five years, now secured in the Federal Government’s Special Concession Account.
He noted that two more major hydropower projects — the 460MW Katsina-Ala in Benue State and the 20MW Farin Ruwa in Nasarawa State — are also on track for PPP concessions, signaling further opportunities for clean energy, job creation, and agro-logistics expansion.
Highlighting developments in irrigation and drainage, Prof. Utsev disclosed that four irrigation projects were completed.
“Bakalori Irrigation Project, Zamfara State – Rehabilitation of 9,490 hectares of gravity-fed systems under the TRIMING Project, enabling the annual production of 100,000 metric tonnes of rice.
“Dadin-Kowa Irrigation Project, Gombe State – Completion of 2,100 hectares of irrigated farmland, now handed over to farmers. Micro Irrigation Project at Igbogidigidi Ipapo, Oyo State and
“Micro Irrigation Project at Gari, Jigawa State – Each covering 5 hectares and comprising solar-powered boreholes, water distribution networks, and greenhouse facilities.
He said the projects are designed to promote year-round farming for communities in Ipapo, Gari, and surrounding areas.
In the area of sanitation, the Minister explained that the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign has gained remarkable momentum, resulting in an additional 40 Local Government Areas attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 142 ODF LGAs.
On water supply, he stated that 113 contracts have been awarded for the construction of water supply schemes across the country in 2024, which are currently at various stages of implementation.
He added, “Four water supply projects were flagged off between December 2024 and March 2025 and are ongoing. These include: Greater Dutse Water Supply Project, Jigawa State; Rehabilitation and Upgrading of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project at Ameladu Headworks, Benue State and Ugbema Water Supply Project, Benue State; and Wannune Water Supply Project, Benue State.”
