Tinubu reconstitutes executive management of river basin development authorities

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has announced the reconstitution of the executive management teams for 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the management of Nigeria’s water resources.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the new appointments reflect a commitment to improving operational efficiency and addressing the pressing challenges in water resource management across various regions.

The newly appointed leadership includes: Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (covering Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun): Chairman: Odebunmi Olusegun (Oyo); Managing Director: Adedeji Ashiru (Osun); Executive Directors: Ayo Oyalowo (Finance, Oyo), Dokunmu Olufemi Oyekunle (Planning and Design, Ogun), Suleiman Oris (Agric Services, Lagos), and Julius Oloro (Engineering, Lagos).

Others are: Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (Yola, covering Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Bauchi): Chairman: Sanus Babantanko (Bauchi), Managing Director: Samuel Mohammed (Taraba); Executive Directors include Usman Bakare (Engineering, Taraba) and Ibrahim Jalo (Finance, Gombe); Chad Basin Development Authority (Maiduguri, covering Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa). Others are Chairman: Abdu Dauda (Borno), Managing Director: Tijjani Tumsa (Yobe); Niger Delta Basin Development Authority: Chairman: Ebikemi Bosin (Delta), Managing Director: Amgbare Ebitimi (Bayelsa).

Additional authorities include the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority in Minna, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority in Makurdi, Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority in Owerri, Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano, Cross River Basin Development Authority in Calabar, and Sokoto Rima Basin Development Authority.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that these appointees will utilise their extensive experience to enhance the operational capacity of the RBDAs.

He emphasised that their leadership is crucial for implementing strategies that align with the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens through effective water resource management.

This reconstitution comes at a time when Nigeria faces significant challenges related to water scarcity and management.

The President’s initiative aims to ensure that these authorities are equipped with capable leaders who can drive sustainable development in their respective regions.