The Federal Government has earmarked a sum of ₦1.5 billion for the construction of an earth dam in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, in a move aimed at boosting water resources, supporting agriculture and creating jobs across the region.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this during an inspection tour of ongoing and proposed water infrastructure projects in Kano and parts of Jigawa State.
Speaking at the proposed dam site in Bela community, Bichi LGA, Professor Utsev said the project, expected to be completed within 36 months, will significantly improve access to water for agricultural, domestic and economic uses, while also providing employment opportunities for host communities.
According to him, the earth dam will strengthen water availability for irrigation and livestock, enhance food security and contribute to the socio-economic development of Bichi and neighbouring areas.
The Minister stressed that the investment reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable water management and inclusive economic growth, noting that improved water infrastructure remains critical to national development.
Professor Utsev explained that the project falls under the mandate of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) and will be supervised accordingly to ensure quality delivery and long-term impact.
During the tour, the Minister also inspected several facilities under the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in Jigawa State, where he flagged off new intervention projects aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
At a ceremony in Jahun Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Professor Utsev described the occasion as a “dual celebration” — marking both the commencement of critical drainage and erosion control structures and the launch of capacity-building training for 500 youths in modern drip irrigation technology.
He said the initiatives were deliberately designed to combine infrastructure development with human capital investment, adding that their inclusion in the 2025 Appropriation Bill underscores President Tinubu’s resolve to protect existing assets while unlocking future opportunities.
The Minister charged trainers to equip the youths with practical skills, passion and innovation, while urging beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to become pioneers in modern agriculture and agribusiness.
He also commended the Jigawa State Government, elected representatives and traditional institutions for their collaboration, stressing that sustainable development thrives on strong partnerships between federal, state and community stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Engineer Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to the successful execution of the projects.
Engineer Bichi said the drainage, erosion control and youth irrigation training initiatives represent a strategic investment in environmental protection, food production and youth empowerment.
“This is a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action,” he said, noting that the projects will not only mitigate environmental challenges but also create pathways for economic self-reliance among young people.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Jigawa State Government for their support, assuring that the Authority would ensure transparency, quality and sustainability in project delivery.
The events in Kano and Jigawa, stakeholders observed, signal a renewed federal push toward water security, climate resilience and inclusive growth — with communities like Bichi and Jahun positioned to reap long-term benefits.
