FG Commissions N5.7 Billion Gashua Water Scheme to Tackle Water Scarcity in Yobe

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Federal Government on Tuesday commissioned the Gashua Water Supply Scheme, a ₦5.735 billion-naira project designed to serve over one million residents of Gashua and surrounding communities in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who performed the commissioning described the project as a “landmark intervention” aimed at resolving persistent water challenges in the region. According to him, the facility has a supply capacity of 3,200 million litres per day and was completed at a revised cost of ₦5.735 billion.

“This project is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognizes access to potable water as a cornerstone of public health, economic growth, and poverty reduction,” Prof. Utsev stated during the ceremony held at the Gashua Water Works, Filin Tanda.

The project includes four solar-powered borehole-based systems—one sited within a university campus—a modern water treatment plant, surface and elevated storage tanks, electro-mechanical and power installations, and a transmission and distribution network intended to deliver water across Gashua and nearby communities.

While formally handing over the scheme to the Yobe State Government, Prof. Utsev called for inclusive stakeholder engagement and urged the Yobe State Water Board to take ownership of the infrastructure for sustainable use. “We expect the State Government to provide the enabling environment for the infrastructure to thrive for the benefit of all,” he added.

Yobe State Governor, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana, lauded the Federal Government’s intervention, noting that northern parts of Yobe have long struggled with water scarcity and its health implications. He cited concerns over increasing kidney-related ailments in the region and emphasized the importance of access to clean water in reversing the trend.

“The health and economic wellbeing of our people are intricately tied to water availability. This project is not only timely but vital,” said Hon. Gubana.

Also present at the commissioning was former Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan, who described the Gashua scheme as a product of persistent advocacy. “This project was conceived following repeated outbreaks of waterborne diseases caused by unsafe water sources in Gashua. What we are witnessing today is the result of sustained collaboration and political will,” he said.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, urged the local community to take ownership of the facility. “This is a community asset that must be protected to ensure its sustainability,” he said.

The commissioning ceremony also included an official project overview by the Director of Water Supply and Support Services, Mr. Mukaila Segun Babarinde, and the formal signing of the handover documents. The event concluded with the symbolic switching on of the facility, marking what officials described as a milestone in Nigeria’s push toward universal water access.

Other ongoing water projects in Yobe State, as listed by the Minister, include the Damaturu Lots A & B Water Supply Projects, the Nguru Water Supply Project, the Fika/Gadaka Water Supply Project, and the Potiskum Water Supply Project—all aimed at closing Nigeria’s water access gap in underserved communities.

Photo News

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, delivering his address at the commissioning and handover ceremony of the Gashua Water Supply Scheme, located in Filin Tanda, Gashua, Yobe State, today, Tuesday, 6th May 2025.