The Federal Government has called for collaboration with the Plateau State government to scale up food production through irrigated agriculture and achieve the goal of ending open defecation by 2025. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, made the call during a meeting with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and members of his executive council in Abuja.
Professor Utsev emphasized the need for collaboration to accelerate food production, end hunger, create job opportunities, and ensure economic growth and development, which are priority areas of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. He also stressed the importance of constructing decent toilets and educating people on proper hygiene practices to achieve a healthy nation.
The Minister highlighted the ministry’s projects in the water and sanitation sector, including SURWASH and PWASH, and urged the Plateau State government to key into the programs by making counterpart contributions. The Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Barr Bello Goronyo, also appealed to the Governor to release land title deeds to enable the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority to scale up irrigation farming in the area.
The meeting also addressed challenges facing the ministry’s projects in the state, including vandalism and insecurity, and appealed for increased security to project sites. Governor Mutfwang congratulated Professor Utsev on his achievements and sought support for his state’s water and sanitation challenges.
