Federal Government gives states until 2028 to finish urban water projects
The Federal Government has asked participating states to accelerate work on projects under the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project after the programme was extended to 2028. Officials said the additional time should be used to complete rehabilitation work, resolve implementation obstacles and improve urban water and sanitation services.
The Federal Government has urged states participating in the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project to speed up the completion of ongoing works after the programme was extended to 2028. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Utsev made the appeal on Monday at the opening of the project’s second-semester 2026 coordination and review workshop in Jos, Plateau State. He was represented by the National Coordinator, Kasim Nafiu.
Utsev said the French Development Agency’s extension of the programme from December 2026 to 2028 would give states more time to finish rehabilitation projects and address implementation problems. He urged them and other stakeholders to use the additional period effectively. The two-day workshop, themed “Improving Water Supply and Sanitation Service Delivery”, is intended to review implementation, assess the experiences of participating states and identify solutions to delays, according to the minister.
Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, said his administration regarded water security as important to governance and human development. He said the state government had provided N2.6 billion in counterpart funding. Mutfwang said Plateau was working through the Jos Water Services Corporation and relevant government agencies to improve water production, treatment and distribution.
The listed interventions include expanding municipal networks, rehabilitating the Yelwa Water Treatment Plant and reticulating the Mangu Regional Water Scheme. The state is also undertaking water infrastructure projects in Bokkos, Langtang North, Langtang South and Wase. Two treatment facilities, the Yakubu Gowon and Laminga plants, are being rehabilitated with support from the AFD.
The governor asked the agency to simplify administrative procedures and issue “No Objection” approvals promptly. The project is co-financed by AFD and other development partners to improve drinking-water quality, expand supply networks and strengthen state water utilities.
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