By Awwal Umar Kontagora Mohammed Umaru Bago , Governor of Niger State, has appealed to residents — particularly those in the Minna metropo...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Mohammed Umaru Bago, Governor of Niger State, has appealed to residents — particularly those in the Minna metropolis — to remain patient amid the ongoing water shortage, assuring them that his administration is implementing comprehensive measures to provide a lasting solution.
Addressing journalists at the Council Chamber of Government House in Minna, the governor described the water crisis as a consequence of decades-old, deteriorating infrastructure inherited by his administration. He explained that many pipelines in the state capital are between 30 and 40 years old, with several damaged and unable to meet the demands of the growing population and expanding urban development.
“We are deeply concerned about the provision of potable water,” the governor said. “We inherited decades of neglect. Most of the pipelines are broken and outdated.”
Bago disclosed that the state government has commenced a comprehensive overhaul of the water system. The intervention includes plans to desilt the Togwai Dam, replace aging pipelines, modernise the reticulation system, expand distribution networks, and construct additional reservoirs to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water.
While acknowledging the hardship residents are currently experiencing, he said interim measures have been introduced to cushion the impact. According to him, water tankers are being deployed to supply affected communities, while the government is collaborating with development partners to drill boreholes in the worst-hit areas.
“We understand the inconvenience this situation has caused, but these efforts will provide a sustainable solution,” he assured, urging residents to cooperate with the government during the transition period.
The governor also addressed the persistent challenge of irregular power supply, encouraging residents to explore alternative energy sources for domestic use.
He revealed that the state government has already transitioned key public institutions — including hospitals, schools, and the Government House — off the national grid to ensure uninterrupted service delivery in critical sectors.
Bago further commended members of the press for their continued support and urged them to maintain objectivity and professionalism in their reportage.
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