The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly appointed Governing Boards and Executive Management Teams of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), urging them to uphold innovation, accountability, and strategic leadership.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, performed the swearing-in ceremony on Friday in Abuja. He congratulated the appointees and charged them to align their efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Correspondents report that the minister stressed the importance of performance, ethical conduct, and innovation, urging the boards to chart clear strategies and maintain respectful collaboration with executive management for effective results.
He further emphasised the need for a solid grasp of the River Basin Act, the Water Resources Master Plan, and all relevant regulations and policies.
“Appointees have been urged to fully understand the ethical rules and regulations guiding public office in order to promote integrity, accountability, and respect in their conduct,” Utsev said.
He added that the efficient management of Nigeria’s water resources and the expansion of irrigated agriculture are central to achieving food security.
The minister outlined several ongoing federal initiatives, including the partial commercialisation of the RBDAs and youth-focused empowerment programmes designed to enhance food production, generate employment, and alleviate poverty.
He encouraged the leadership to pursue alternative sources of funding and engage in public-private partnerships to boost the agencies’ financial viability.
“As a strategic extension of the ministry, you must uphold high standards to deliver on national priorities. Synergy, innovation, and commitment will be crucial to your success,” Utsev said.
In his welcome remarks, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, described the induction retreat for board members as pivotal to repositioning the sector for national growth.
He congratulated the appointees and underscored the importance of financial discipline, strategic collaboration, and effective governance in achieving the river basins’ goals related to irrigation, rural development, food security, and access to clean water.
Pheelangwah noted that the retreat would foster synergy and deeper governance understanding, while urging the boards to remain aligned with the administration’s policy thrust.
Speaking on behalf of the 12 River Basin authorities, Abubakar Malam, Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for entrusting them with the task.
He also acknowledged the leadership of Minister Utsev and the support from the ministry’s permanent secretary and directors.
Malam reiterated the river basins’ collective resolve to advance food security, rural development, and economic empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He affirmed their dedication to grassroots transformation through agriculture, infrastructure, and poverty reduction, assuring stakeholders of their commitment to fulfilling their mandate.
(NAN)