FG Inaugurates Governing Boards, Management Teams of River Basin Authorities Amid Renewed Push for Food Security

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Federal Government on Thursday formally inaugurated the newly appointed Chairmen, Managing Directors, and Executive Directors of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) across the country, pledging renewed commitment to food security, water resources management, and rural development.

The inauguration, held in Abuja, was presided over by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who said the appointments were integral to the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The event, which also marked the commencement of a two-day strategic retreat scheduled for May 2–3, 2025, aimed to orient the appointees on governance best practices, ethical leadership, and policy alignment.

“These appointments are not ceremonial. They carry the weight of national expectations in the areas of food security, irrigation development, and rural revitalization,” said Prof. Utsev in his keynote address. “We expect you to serve with integrity, foresight, and a commitment to public-private partnerships that will stimulate economic growth.”

Prof. Utsev outlined several government initiatives the appointees are expected to drive, including the Partial Commercialization and Revitalization Programme, the Songhai Integrated Farming Model, and the Graduate and Youth Empowerment Programme.

He emphasized the adoption of a Performance Management System (PMS), increased farmland documentation, and adherence to principles of Integrated River Basin Management. “This retreat is a critical step in aligning your roles with national priorities and ensuring synergy between the Boards and Executive Management,” he added.

The River Basin Development Authorities, established to manage Nigeria’s water resources and boost agricultural output, have long faced operational challenges. The government hopes the partial commercialization model will enhance efficiency through private sector participation.

Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Sada Soli, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, reaffirmed legislative support for the sector. He underscored the importance of water not just as a basic need, but as a critical resource for agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and national development.

“Water resources management is complex and vital. It goes beyond drinking water—it is a driver of economic transformation,” Soli noted, calling for greater investment in research and development to support the sector.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, described the retreat as “a crucial opportunity to reposition the RBDAs for improved governance and sustainable development.”

He called for open dialogue and knowledge sharing among participants, and urged the new leaders to embrace collaboration and innovation in implementing their mandates.

Representing the appointees, Dr. Amos G. Yadukso, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Lower Benue RBDA, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Minister for the trust placed in them. “We understand the urgency and the responsibility. We are fully committed to delivering results,” he said.

Alhaji Abubakar Malam (MFR), Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima RBDA and Chairman of the MD Forum, also pledged unwavering commitment to the administration’s agenda. “Our focus will be on translating policy into impact—on farms, in homes, and across communities,” he stated.

The ceremony concluded with the formal inauguration of the appointees and the opening of the retreat, which will address key topics such as ethical leadership, irrigation expansion, inter-agency collaboration, and funding strategies.

The Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on river basin development comes as Nigeria grapples with food insecurity, declining irrigation infrastructure, and the impacts of climate change on water availability.

Observers say that while the new appointments are promising, success will depend on consistent policy implementation, transparent governance, and strong oversight.