FG URGES STATES TO SPEED UP URBAN WATER PROJECTS

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The Federal Government has urged states participating in the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project to accelerate the completion of ongoing projects following the extension of the programme to 2028.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, made the call on Monday at the 2026 National Urban Water Sector Reform Project Coordination and Review Workshop in Jos, Plateau State.

Utsev, represented by the project’s National Coordinator, Kasim Nafiu, said the extension by the French Development Agency would give states additional time to complete rehabilitation works and address implementation challenges.

He urged participating states and other stakeholders to make effective use of the extended period to ensure the objectives of the programme were achieved.

The two-day workshop, themed “Improving Water Supply and Sanitation Service Delivery,” is focused on reviewing project implementation, identifying challenges and developing solutions.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang said his administration had provided N2.6bn in counterpart funding for the project.

He said the state was implementing measures to improve water production, treatment and distribution, including the rehabilitation of water treatment plants and expansion of municipal water networks.

Mutfwang also urged the development agency to simplify administrative procedures and speed up approvals for eligible project components.

The National Urban Water Sector Reform Project is supported by the French Development Agency and other development partners to improve urban water supply, sanitation services and the capacity of state water utilities.