March 28, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has inspected the Makurdi Irrigation Farm Project and inaugurated the Ugodo Community access road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Speaking during the inspection of the farm at Mbakuv on Friday, Utsev revealed that the project covers over 3,000 hectares of irrigable land. He noted that while 1,200 hectares have been designated for irrigation farming, the remaining 1,800 hectares will be utilized for the upcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project.
According to the minister, 400 hectares have already been cleared and put to use, while contracts have been awarded for the study and design of an additional 600 hectares, which is at an advanced stage.
“For the expansion of the existing irrigation farm to take off effectively, we have awarded contracts for the construction of water channels, drip irrigation, and the study and design for the farm’s expansion,” he stated.
Utsev further disclosed that the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam, which is about 50 percent completed, has been included in the 2025 budget for completion. He added that the ministry is also exploring the possibility of generating electricity from the dam to boost the country’s power supply.
During the commissioning of the 1.5-kilometer Ugodo Community access road, the minister said the project would enhance the transportation of agricultural produce to urban centers while improving the socio-economic well-being of the community.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, urged residents to support the minister to attract more developmental projects to the region.
In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Makurdi, HRH Chief Vincent Ahule, commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Prof. Joseph Utsev as Minister.
Ahule assured that the people of Benue remain steadfast in their support for President Tinubu’s administration and future political ambitions.
