Nigeria’s House of Representatives has pledged strict oversight of the proposed ₦98 billion 2026 budget of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, vowing to ensure accountability and value for money in the implementation of projects.
Lawmakers also resolved to conduct nationwide inspections of dams, irrigation schemes, and other critical water infrastructure to independently verify project execution and performance.
The commitment was made during a budget defence session of the House Committee on Water Resources, where the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, presented the ministry’s 2026 budget estimates and provided updates on the implementation of the 2025 appropriation.
Presenting the proposal, the minister explained that the ₦98 billion allocation would primarily be used to complete ongoing dam and irrigation projects across the country, aimed at expanding irrigated agriculture and strengthening national food security.
He added that the ministry is prioritising flood control and drought mitigation measures in response to increasing climate variability and extreme weather conditions across Nigeria.