ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Government has called on the Edo State Government to urgently remit its 25 per cent counterpart funding for the ongoing Jattu Dam project, warning that further delays could hinder timely completion and weaken efforts to improve water supply and agricultural productivity.
The appeal was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, during a courtesy visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan, Utsev emphasised that the dam project, situated in Etsako West Local Government Area, is vital for irrigation, water supply, and food security in Edo State and beyond.
Both the Federal Government and the Edo State Government reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to protect key River Basin facilities and enhance food security across the state.
During the visit, the minister highlighted the need for sustained cooperation to safeguard BORBDA’s critical assets from vandalism, encroachment, and related threats.
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He pointed to the Obayantor Integrated Farm as a major concern, noting that its operations have been negatively impacted by such activities.
He called for increased security presence and urged the Edo State Government to support efforts to protect facilities and reclaim encroached farmlands in Obayantor, Illushi-Ega, Ukpoke, Ewatto, and Lampese.
The minister also raised issues regarding the operation of a borrow pit at Obayantor, urging the state government to enforce strict adherence to environmental regulations.
He commended the governor for his earlier visit to the River Basin headquarters in Obayantor and advocated stronger collaboration in rehabilitating the facility to function as a hub for youth empowerment in agriculture and water resources management.
“On infrastructure development, Prof Utsev disclosed that the jointly implemented Jattu Dam project has recorded significant progress.
“He appealed to the Edo State Government to fulfil its counterpart funding obligation, representing 25 per cent of the total project cost, to facilitate timely completion,” the statement read.
He also called for urgent action at the Auchi Integrated Farm to tackle gully erosion threatening the facility.
While praising the governor’s leadership and ongoing infrastructure efforts, the minister acknowledged Edo State’s support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
In response, Okpebholo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government to accelerate water infrastructure development, enhance security around critical assets, and deliver meaningful benefits to residents.
“The governor emphasised that strong federal–state partnerships are vital for sustainable development, particularly in the water sector.
“He expressed concern over incidents of vandalism, noting that the establishment of a Forward Operating Base would significantly enhance the protection of lives and infrastructure,” it added.
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He further assured that the state government would consider meeting its counterpart funding obligations for ongoing federal water projects, especially the Jattu Dam in Etsako West Local Government Area, in the interest of the people.
Earlier, during the minister’s working visit to BORBDA, the Managing Director, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi, reiterated the authority’s commitment to repositioning river basin operations as a key driver of water resources management, food security, and economic growth.
He outlined ongoing efforts to boost operational efficiency despite existing challenges and expressed confidence that BORBDA will expand its interventions and deliver on its mandate to increase food production and improve livelihoods across its operational areas.
The visit highlights the renewed commitment of both the Federal Government and Edo State Government to deepen collaboration in safeguarding national assets, advancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring long-term food security.