The Federal Government of Nigeria has restated its commitment to deepening its collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate access to safe water and achieve food security across the country.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this disclosure on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, while receiving a high-level World Bank delegation at his office in Abuja.
Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda
During the meeting, Prof. Utsev emphasized that the current administration’s development blueprint is heavily reliant on resource sustainability and economic empowerment.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is anchored on improving access to safe water, achieving food security through irrigated agriculture, and creating job opportunities for the nation’s teeming population,” Prof. Utsev stated.
The Minister maintained that a stronger partnership with the international financial institution would significantly fast-track the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, alongside other critical, high-impact initiatives currently being executed by the Ministry with World Bank backing.
Nigeria to Pitch Investment Opportunities at Africa Water Forum
Looking ahead, the Minister assured the delegation of Nigeria’s active participation in the forthcoming Africa Water Forum, scheduled to take place later this month in N’Djamena, Chad.
Prof. Utsev noted that the Ministry intends to strategically use the continental platform to showcase key reforms being implemented under the Tinubu administration to expand sustainable water access, particularly in underserved communities, while simultaneously highlighting vast investment opportunities within Nigeria’s water sector.
Driving Innovative Financing for Africa’s Water Security
Speaking earlier, the World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL) for the SPIN Project, Zack Zieglhifer, alongside Co-Task Team Leader, Engr. Chinedu Umolu, explained that the courtesy visit was aimed at confirming the Ministry’s attendance at the upcoming forum in Chad.
The delegation explained that the event jointly hosted by West African countries, the World Bank, and various development partners will feature high-level sessions designed to stimulate dialogue, shape policy decisions, and drive tangible commitments, with a particular focus on innovative financing for water security across Africa.
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