Federal Government Seeks $500 Million World Bank Loan for Dam Safety and Water Management.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has requested a $500 million loan from the World Bank to enhance dam safety and improve water resource management nationwide. This funding is part of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, which aims to address the country’s water security challenges and bolster agricultural productivity.
According to a Project Information Document released by the World Bank on Monday, the SPIN project will focus on four critical areas: institutional strengthening and capacity building, irrigation modernization, improvements in dam operations and safety, and effective project management. The proposed approval date for the project is September 26, 2024.
The project will reinforce federal and state institutions responsible for water resource management. This includes developing national dam safety guidelines, providing training for water resources and irrigation management, and creating a comprehensive hydropower master plan.
“Nigeria faces significant water security challenges, impacting water availability for drinking, energy, and food production, all of which are increasingly exacerbated by climate change,” the World Bank document stated. “Harnessing water storage and improving dam safety are crucial for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria, as they are key to better water management for supply, irrigation, and hydropower generation, as well as providing protection from floods and droughts.”
Nigeria has over 400 dams with an estimated combined storage capacity of 59 billion cubic meters. However, many of these dams are in dire need of rehabilitation, particularly those constructed in the 1970s and 80s. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, along with state ministries, manage these dams, but inadequate budgets, human resources, and capacity have hindered proper dam management, operation, and maintenance.
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The devastating floods of 2022, which caused an estimated $6.7 billion in economic damage, highlighted the urgent need for improved dam safety and water management.
As part of the SPIN project, the Federal Government plans to rehabilitate and modernize 40,000 hectares of irrigated land and establish Water User Associations to manage irrigation schemes more efficiently. Additionally, the project will focus on enhancing the safety of priority dams by conducting risk assessments, preparing emergency action plans, and implementing structural safety improvements.
To ensure effective project implementation, the project will include the establishment of a Federal Project Management Unit and Technical Units at both federal and state levels, focusing on monitoring and evaluation.
