Adamu lauds Federal Government on 100% capital release for RBDAs

By YANGE IKYAA

The minister of water resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, has applauded the Federal Government for releasing 100 percent of the capital budget to River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) for 2020 and 2021 financial years.

Engr. Adamu gave the insight recently in Abuja during his first interactive meeting with managing directors of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) in the year 2022.

In his remarks, the minister stated that since the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have been properly funded, the managing directors should ensure prompt execution of projects in line with the already instituted Water Resources Roadmap. Engr Adamu further directed the RBDAs to undertake adequate publicity of their projects and achievements to enable Nigerians appreciate the positive developments recorded in the Nigerian water resources sector and for the citizens to take ownership towards their sustainability.

The minister equally advised the managing directors to implement the new procurement threshold with caution and professionalism to ensure faster and more efficient projects and programmes delivery.

Speaking on security challenges, community farm land disputes and other forms of agitations, the minister advised the managing directors to always synergise and collaborate with state governments to resolve such issues. He further directed the managing directors to report any form of security breaches to appropriate security agencies promptly. Engr Adamu stressed the need for RBDAs to relate robustly with state governments in their catchment areas.

Adamu stressed the need for RBDAs to relate robustly with state governments in their catchment areas.

In her address, the permanent secretary, FMWR, Mrs. Didi Walson- Jack, informed the managing directors that the ministry is first among the MDAs to carry out the rewards and recognition system for her deserving staff and urged them to measure the performances of their personnel and reward them accordingly for greater motivation and efficient service delivery.

The chairman, Forum of Managing Directors of RBDAs, Prof. M. A Ali, who is the managing director of Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed deep appreciation to the minister and the permanent secretary for the interactive meeting. He noted that it is a wakeup call for the RBDAs to scale up their activities expediently in order to achieve more milestones in line with this administration’s policy.

In attendance at meeting were the director, river basin operations and inspectorate, Mr. John Ochigbo, and all the managing directors of River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria.