President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦95 billion for the rehabilitation of over 16 dams in Kano State. This significant investment aims to enhance irrigation farming and boost agricultural productivity in the region. The funding also includes the construction of the Eastern Bypass Road, a project designed to improve connectivity between Kano city and the southern region of the state.
Revitalizing Kano’s Dams
Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, the newly appointed Executive Director of Finance at the Hadejia River Basin Development Authority, confirmed the initiative. Speaking in a statement, he revealed that a technical committee has been inaugurated to assess the condition of the dams, including prominent facilities such as the Challawa Gorge Dam and Tiga Dam.
“The evaluation and subsequent rehabilitation of these dams will significantly enhance irrigation farming and improve agricultural productivity in Kano,” Kwankwaso stated. He noted that this aligns with the vision of Hon. Minister Joseph Utsev, who is committed to optimizing the potential of these critical infrastructures.
Kwankwaso also credited Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing the southern region of Kano, for his role in securing the funding. This effort underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the state’s infrastructure needs.
Supporting Regional Development
In addition to the dam rehabilitation project, Kwankwaso highlighted the establishment of the North West Development Commission, a move driven by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. The commission aims to foster prosperity across the North West region, reflecting the administration’s dedication to regional development.
“The President’s commitment to Kano and the North West is evident through these projects, which will undoubtedly enhance the livelihoods of the people,” Kwankwaso noted.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and other stakeholders, including APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Hon. Abba Bichi, for their unwavering support.
Strengthening Leadership
Kwankwaso praised the leadership team at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, emphasizing their competence and dedication to delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He described the team, led by Chairman Mamman Dau Aliyu and Managing Director Engineer Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, as a “formidable group” committed to advancing the President’s vision for Kano and the nation.
Broader Infrastructure Commitments
The administration’s focus on infrastructure extends beyond Kano’s dams. Kwankwaso highlighted other key projects, including the ongoing Kano-Kaduna-Abuja expressway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, which is slated for completion in 2025.
“These projects demonstrate President Tinubu’s genuine commitment to Kano and the North,” he said.
Bottom Line
By prioritizing infrastructure and agricultural development, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is reinforcing its pledge to improve livelihoods and drive economic growth in Kano and beyond.
