By Barth Ikiebe in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, a landmark initiative designed to expand access to clean and safe water across Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Monday in Abuja, President Tinubu commended the FCT Administration for prioritizing infrastructure that directly enhances citizens’ quality of life.
He gave special recognition to FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his visionary and people-focused leadership.
“This is more than just a water project,it is a symbol of fairness and inclusion. It ensures that every part of Abuja is included in our national progress. This is the essence of our Renewed Hope Agenda,”the President said.
Tinubu emphasized that access to clean water is fundamental to development and human dignity.
“Clean water to drink, to clean, to grow—these are the real foundations of growth, prosperity, and community well-being,” he added.
The President also expressed gratitude to international development partners, especially the government of China, for their collaboration.
“This project is a shining example of what international cooperation can achieve when it puts people first,” he said.
He urged FCT residents to safeguard the water infrastructure and use the resource responsibly to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Turning to national matters, the President mourned the recent killings in Benue State, where nearly 200 lives were lost.
He offered condolences to bereaved families and announced plans to visit the state on Wednesday.
“We are one family living in different rooms of the same house. Let us uphold peace,” he appealed.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Wike acknowledged President Tinubu’s directive to prioritize the water project and thanked him for his unwavering support.
He disclosed that the $470 million initiative, originally awarded in 2017 under the Partnership for African Development Initiative, was financed with 85 percent funding from the Chinese government through China Exim Bank and 15 percent from the FCT Administration.
“We are grateful for your leadership, Mr. President. With your support, the Greater Abuja Water Network has become a reality,” Wike stated.
He also announced ongoing plans to extend the water supply network to underserved communities such as Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu in partnership with the Chinese construction firm, CGC.
Mr. Zhang Yi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, lauded the project’s completion and affirmed China’s commitment to infrastructure development in Nigeria. He noted that the project has tripled the FCT’s water supply capacity, ensuring greater reliability and access for residents.
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the FCT, praised both President Tinubu and Minister Wike for their leadership. She described the project as a major step toward inclusive and sustainable development in line with the FCT’s long-term master plan.
The Greater Abuja Water Network covers extensive pipeline infrastructure through Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6, serving over 50 districts across the territory.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
