The Federal Government has sworn in new Governing Boards and Executive Management teams for the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), tasking them with boosting food security, accountability, and sustainable water management.
At a two-day inauguration retreat in Abuja, Water Resources Minister Prof. Joseph Utsev urged the appointees to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This retreat is a strategic onboarding process to acquaint you with your responsibilities,” Utsev said, emphasizing collaboration between Boards and Management.
He directed the teams to prioritize irrigation expansion, study the River Basin Act, and drive key initiatives like the Songhai Integrated Farming Model and Graduate Youth Empowerment Programme.
“These initiatives aim for job creation and food production. Pursue them aggressively,” he added, also stressing financial compliance and state partnerships.
Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah called for visionary leadership, stating the retreat was meant to “foster synergy and improve governance.”
RBDAs must “deliver on food security, water access, and rural development,” he said.
Leave a comment