By Blessing Bature
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources Engr Suleiman Adamu has commended the Executive Director of Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Engr. Magashi Umar Bashir for his commitments and concerted efforts deployed to ensure optimal performance in the commission which has increased access to water supply and also ensuring that water is properly regulated across the country.
Adamu made the commendation during an inspection visit to the Commission headquarters on Thursday, Abuja, and thanking him for not allowing the purpose of establishing the commission to be defeated.
“We saw the need to establish the commission because we wanted Nigeria to be involved in the water sector and for government to ensure that water is properly regulated to protect our water sources, protect water diversion to safeguard and properly harness water for the Development of the people which you have demonstrated his doggedness in this area, he said.
He however reiterated his readiness as a stakeholder in the water resources sector to always stand by the Commission even when he leaves office after the 29th of May, saying as a stakeholder in the sector he will do everything to promote and ensure the water resources bill is pass at the Senate.
He advised the director to always be bold enough to speak the truth and give leaders the right information for them to take the right decision.
In his part, the Executive Director, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, ENGR. Magashi Umar Bashir said he has committed himself to ensuring that the interest of the nation is elevated above any primordial interest, and this he will continue to do.
He hinted that the Commission in commitment to its core mandate has issued 86 licences, 76 demand notices, re-validated 50 licences, consolidated the engagement with office of the Attorney-General of the Federation & Honourable Minister of Justice by referring cases of violators of the Water Resources Act to his office.
Bashir informed that the commission being aware of the revenue deficit in the nation’s revenue need, are determined to make sure users of raw bulk water pay the appropriate charges. In pursuit of our enhanced revenue generation agenda, the Commission has issued demand notices with expected income of N826,215,000.00.
“Furthermore, the Commission has also consolidated the following: Development of Technical assessment for Environmental and Safety performance of all Dams in Nigeria.
Following from the Water Use Licences issued, the Commission has generated the total sum of Seventy-Three Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Ten Naira (N73,669,110.00) Only from the year 2020 till date, representing almost 100% increase revenues generated between 2015 and 2019.
“With all the efforts that you have committed thus far, the Water Resources Bill will see the light of the day soon and effective implementation of regulations of water resources can be possible.