President Tinubu Inaugurates New Boards For River Basin Authorities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the newly appointed Governing Boards and Executive Management teams of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), charging them to champion food security, accountability, and sustainable water resources management across the country.

The inauguration was held in Abuja, led by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who described the appointments as a significant step in ensuring the government’s strategy to promote agriculture and improve water resource management.

According to Utsev, the move aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu to ensuring adequate food and rural development across the country. The inauguration will unlock the potential of the River Basin Authorities which will definitely propel food production, job creation, and alleviate poverty.

The minister mandated the appointees to begin implementing key initiatives such as the Songhai Integrated Farming Model, youth empowerment programmes and large-scale irrigation expansion to drive farming and economic transformation in rural areas.

He urged the Boards and Executive Management to collaborate, embrace innovation, and maintain high integrity in public service, as the government will take cognizance the performance of agencies for accountability.

He stated that the Ministry is putting in place performance metrics and reward systems to ensure results. He stated that a total overhaul is expected to ensure RBDA contribute maximumly to national development.”

The Board Chairman of the Lower Benue RBDA, Dr. Amos Yadukso, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the minister while assuring full commitment to delivering tangible results in the shortest possible time.

He reiterated the critical role of RBDAs in achieving food security, potable water access, and job creation, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah urged board members and executives to set clear priorities, uphold transparency, and demonstrate financial prudence.