The World Bank has approved $500 million for the execution of Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project in the country.
The Regional Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Development for West and Central Africa of the Bank, Mr Chakib Jenane announced this during a meeting with the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev and the Honourable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Barr. Bello Goronyo in his office.
The Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Mr Terhemen Oraduen, in a statement, quoted Mr Jenane as explaining that the approval was granted during the World Bank’s board meeting held last month in Washington DC, United States.
It commended the unwavering commitment and leadership role played by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the proactive steps taken by Prof. Utsev which attracted such huge intervention from World Bank to bridge the water, sanitation and hydropower gap in the country
The World Bank team also discussed the TRIMMING project which is due to end next year and provided an update on the SURWASH mid-term review during which they appealed to more states to key into the programme to maximise its benefits.
Responding, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Utsev acknowledged the sustained support of the World Bank for the development of hydropower, dams and irrigation projects in the country.
Professor Utsev assured the Bank of the commitment of Nigeria to sustain its counterpart contributions and provision of technical expertise that will ensure the smooth implementation of these projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens .
He also informed the Bank of the resolve of his ministry to meet the deadline for the TRIMMING project next year.
