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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Mohammed Agah Muluku, said within 11 months of his appointment by Governor Abdullahi Sule on February 21, 2025, the ministry initiated and completed multiple solar-powered boreholes, sanitation facilities, irrigation schemes and critical upgrades to major waterworks across several local government areas.
“The focus of this administration is not just water availability, but sustainability and equitable access, especially for rural communities.”
Muluku explained that upon assuming office, the ministry prioritised translating government policy into practical outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas, noting that the impact of water and sanitation infrastructure has become more visible across the state.
“When I took over the ministry, our goal was to ensure that investments in water resources directly improve the daily lives of the people. In 11 months, we have achieved measurable progress,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, Muluku disclosed that the ministry facilitated the addition of technical manpower at its headquarters in Lafia to enhance the effective execution of projects. According to him, the technical staff have since resumed work and contributed to improved service delivery.
The commissioner said the ministry provided five solar-powered boreholes to communities under the Madagwa Hausawa Development Association in Lafia Local Government Area, covering Madagwa Hausawa, Tudun Okpu and Tudun Abosho. “These boreholes are fully completed and currently serving the people. Solar-powered solutions were deliberately adopted to ensure sustainability and reduce operating costs.”
He added that a solar-powered borehole was also provided at the NDLEA Headquarters in Lafia, while 40 simple solar-powered boreholes were handed over in Keffi and Doma Local Government Areas, alongside four toilet facilities in Keffi, Karu, Doma and Keana LGAs through the Nasarawa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (NARUWASSA).
Other completed interventions, according to him, include a solar-powered borehole at the Mararaba abattoir in Karu Local Government Area, a toilet facility at Government Junior Secondary School, Kaduna Koro in Obi Local Government Area, as well as five solar-powered boreholes across communities in Akwanga town.
Muluku also listed the provision of two solar-powered boreholes at Brekete Family Smart City Estate, Chakuwa-Gurku in Karu Local Government Area, and the conversion of a motorized borehole to solar power at the Nigerian Correctional Service Commandant’s residence in Lafia, all of which he said have been completed and put to use.
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The commissioner said work is ongoing on a small pilot irrigation scheme at Ungwan Mamman, Daddere Development Area in Obi Local Government Area. He also disclosed that the ministry is providing three solar-powered boreholes and converting an existing conventional borehole to solar power at the Nasarawa State University, Gudi Campus, alongside the construction of 100,000-litre and 20,000-litre overhead tanks.
Other ongoing projects include the construction of a solar-powered borehole with a 100,000-litre overhead tank (fire hydrant) at the Federal Fire Service Base along Jos Road, Lafia, the dredging of River Amba, the major raw water source for the Lafia Water Works, and the construction of a booster station at Garaku to enable water from the Mada Water Works reach Keffi metropolis with ease.
“These interventions are critical to addressing urban water supply challenges and strengthening our water treatment and distribution systems,” Muluku said.
Looking ahead, the commissioner disclosed that several projects have been earmarked for execution in the 2026 fiscal year, including the provision of additional solar-powered boreholes at St. Mathew’s Anglican Church and the entire Kemu community in Nasarawa Local Government Area, as well as in Dogon Dutse community.
He said the ministry is also negotiating grants with the Arab Bank for Development in Africa (BADEA) to support the development of water supply systems in Obi, Nasarawa Eggon and Akwanga LGAs.
Other planned projects include the provision of potable water to seven government veterinary clinics across the state, establishment of a water quality testing laboratory at the ministry’s headquarters in Lafia, rehabilitation of minor water schemes at the 500 Housing Estate, Doma Road, Lafia, and the procurement of a drilling rig for the ministry.
Muluku further revealed plans for the rehabilitation of a motorised borehole facility at Angwan-Amiri, Asakio, phased water supply schemes aimed at improving water availability in Lafia metropolis, and turn-around maintenance of the Mada Water Works in Gudi.
He added that the state government is partnering with the Federal Government through matching grants under NARUWASSA to deliver potable water to communities across several local government areas while the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project is set to take off in Doma, Akwanga and Keffi councils.
“Our focus remains sustainability, accountability and equitable access to clean and safe water. With the support of Governor Abdullahi Sule, we will continue to expand water infrastructure to meet the growing needs of our people,” Muluku said.
