The Niger State Government is set to partner with an indigenous firm and a Chinese company on a $100 million water supply project aimed at improving access to clean water in the state.
The proposed Minna-Paiko-Suleja water project will focus on enhancing water infrastructure and supply to residents.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed optimism about the project during a meeting with representatives of the two firms at the Governor’s Lodge on Tuesday.
The companies presented a feasibility report for the project, which is expected to be funded entirely by the contracting firms with a 20-year repayment plan.
Governor Bago emphasized the need to assess water demands across the entire state, including reviewing water projects initiated by previous administrations.
While welcoming the project, he noted that its current scope is limited to Suleja, Paiko, and Minna, and called for a broader review to address the state’s overall water needs.
The governor also highlighted the use of renewable energy to power water dams and other infrastructure as a key feature of the project.
However, he expressed concern that the proposed 20,000 water meters were insufficient and directed the Ministry of Water Resources and Dams Development to work closely with the firms to scale up the metering system and achieve the desired results.
Hamza Yunusa, the Founder and CEO of Hydrodynamics Ltd, an Indigenous firm involved in the project, praised the government for the opportunity to contribute to sustainable water infrastructure in line with the state’s development goals.
Yunusa explained that the project would involve rehabilitating Suleja Dam, constructing water treatment plants in Lenfa and Suleja, building transmission and service reservoirs, installing renewable energy systems, and supplying water meters.
Li Baisheng, Managing Director of China Energy International Group Nigeria Ltd, expressed his company’s commitment to the project.
He noted that the firm, which has been operating in Nigeria since 2000, has successfully executed numerous energy and water projects and is eager to support the state’s development agenda under Governor Bago.
The Niger State Government plans to set up a sub-committee to finalize the agreement and ensure smooth execution of the project.
