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The Federal Government has accelerated action toward the completion of the long-stalled Otukpo Multipurpose Dam in Benue State, following an on-site inspection by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE.
During a nationwide tour of dams, irrigation, water supply, and sanitation projects, Prof. Utsev visited the dam site at Otobi Akpa in Otukpo Local Government Area to evaluate the status of outstanding works and fast-track its immediate completion. The visit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive assessment of water facilities nationwide, with emphasis on abandoned, incomplete, silted, or at-risk structures.
The Minister explained that, once finished, the Otukpo Dam will boast a reservoir capacity of 130 million cubic metres and deliver multiple benefits, including the generation of 3.3 megawatts of hydroelectric power, supply of potable water to communities, irrigation for approximately 2,000 hectares of farmland, and the construction of 13 kilometres of internal access roads.
The project scope includes a 22-metre-high earth-fill embankment spanning 2,468.64 metres, ground exploration works, a stepped concrete spillway with bridge, inlet and outlet structures, hydroelectric power facilities, and a 13.30-kilometre access road. Prof. Utsev noted that technical assessments of the aquifer system in Zone C of Benue State confirmed the dam as the most viable and sustainable solution to persistent water challenges in the zone and parts of Zone B.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, directors, and senior officials, the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Akpa District, Otukpo LGA. He reiterated the President’s specific instruction to personally inspect the dam and address prevailing water issues in the area.
Responding to the visit, the Head of Otobi Ward, Chief Pius Aholah, commended the Minister but raised serious concern over persistent attacks by unknown gunmen in the locality. He appealed for the urgent establishment of a police post to improve security and protect lives and property in the area.
Prof. Utsev assured residents that their concerns had been noted and that the Federal Government would take all necessary steps to ensure timely completion of the dam. He urged continued support for the Tinubu administration’s efforts to deliver sustainable water resources management and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
The inspection team included the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Dallah Ali; Director of Water Supply, Mr. Engr. Mukaila Segun Babarinde; Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi; Director of PPP, Engr. Zachaeus Akinjogbin; National Project Coordinator, SPIN, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya; and other senior ministry officials.
The renewed push to complete the Otukpo Dam is expected to significantly enhance water security, agricultural productivity, and power generation in Benue State and surrounding communities once operational.
