From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has reassured Nigerians of the commitment of President Bola Tinubu administration to prioritise access to clean water, improve sanitation and food security in the country.
Utsev gave the assurance, yesterday, when a delegation from Sokoto State government paid him a visit in his office in Abuja.
He said work on some dams and other water projects being executed by the Federal Government across the country have reached advanced stage and would soon be completed and put to use while contract for the construction of more dams and boreholes across the six geopolitical zones would also be awarded by the Federal Government.
According to the minister, it was the desire of his ministry to ensure 80 per cent of Nigerians have access to sustainable water and improve sanitation as well as affordable food to eat before the end of Tinubu administration.
Utsev, who expressed appreciation to the government and people of Sokoto for the love shown to him, promised to visit the state for a more robust engagement that would benefit both the state and the Federal Government.
Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, who hails from Sokoto State and led the delegation to Utsev, acknowledged the support and cooperation he has enjoyed with Utsev, saying they were working as a team and a family to achieve a common goal which is providing sustainable access to safe and sufficient water for all citizens.
Earlier, Commissioner for Water Resources Sokoto State, Yusuf Machido, explained the visit was to thank President Tinubu for appointing a professor of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering as the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, describing his appointment as putting round peg in a round hole.
He said they were happy to rejoice with Utsev and Goronyo for the wonderful work they were doing for the country and to assure them of their total support and prayers to enable them succeed.