Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to improve the safety and management of more than 200 large dams across Nigeria to prevent disasters, strengthen water security and increase hydropower generation.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this at the 2026 National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Committee on Large Dams (NICOLD) in Abuja.

Utsev, represented by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, described dams as vital national infrastructure supporting agriculture, electricity generation, flood control and economic development.

The conference, themed “Sustainable Dams for Water, Energy and Climate Resilience”, examined measures to protect the country’s dam infrastructure from environmental and climate-related threats.

The minister identified the World Bank-supported Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project as a major government intervention aimed at improving dam safety, upgrading irrigation facilities and expanding the country’s hydropower capacity.

He called for routine inspections, preventive maintenance and the adoption of climate-resilient engineering practices to reduce the risks associated with dam operations.

Utsev also stressed the importance of strengthening flood forecasting through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to improve preparedness and protect communities.

He urged participants to translate discussions at the conference into practical recommendations that would support effective and sustainable dam management.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, represented by the Director II in the Department of Dams and Reservoirs, Stella Arachie, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving institutional capacity and ensuring the safety of dams nationwide.

He praised NICOLD for promoting professional development, technical knowledge sharing and the adoption of international standards, while assuring the committee of continued collaboration with the ministry.

Earlier, NICOLD President, Engr. Johnson Adewumi, advocated greater private-sector investment and the use of modern technology to tackle challenges posed by climate change, flooding and drought.

Adewumi also highlighted the committee’s involvement in major dam projects, professional training for Nigerian engineers and partnerships with international organisations, including the Canadian Dam Association.