The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of Nigeria’s dams, describing them as strategic infrastructure essential for national development.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, made this known yesterday at the opening of a two-day workshop on dam safety in Abuja.
The workshop is part of the stakeholder engagement activities under the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, which is supported by the World Bank.
Pheelangwah, was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director, Reforms Coordination in the ministry.
He said the government remained resolute in strengthening dam infrastructure to support irrigation, potable water supply, hydropower, and flood management.
“Dams are critical national assets, but they also present significant risks if not properly managed. Ensuring their safety is vital for protecting lives, livelihoods and property, and is also central to achieving the objectives of the SPIN Project,” he said.
He noted that the ministry was working closely with development partners to incorporate best practices in dam management, including early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and climate adaptation strategies.
According to him, the workshop provides a platform for knowledge sharing, technical learning, and collaboration among key actors in dam operations across the country.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that dams nationwide operate in accordance with the highest safety standards, adding that all owners must be guided by established safety frameworks.
Pheelangwah commended the World Bank, the TRIMING Project Management Team, and the organising committee for their support in convening the workshop.
He encouraged participants to engage actively and apply the lessons learned to improve dam safety management at all levels.
In his remarks, Acting Director-General of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Dr Martins Eduvie, Kaduna, called for stronger institutional mechanisms to safeguard Nigeria’s more than 420 registered dams.
Eduvie stressed that although many dams serve crucial purposes such as water supply, irrigation, flood control, and energy generation, their management is sometimes underplayed.
He cited the recent incident in Mokwa, Niger, as a reminder of the consequences of poor infrastructure oversight.
According to him, the blockage of railway drainage channels by debris resulted in an unplanned impoundment of water, which led to destructive flooding when the water finally breached the obstruction.
He likened the Department of Dams to a regulatory watchdog, stating that it should operate with the same rigour as anti-corruption agencies.
Earlier, the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations in the ministry, Mr Ali Dallah, said the safety of Nigeria’s dams must not be taken lightly, considering the role they play in supporting food production, water access, electricity, and flood control. (NAN)