President Bola Tinubu has embarked on a significant restructuring of Nigeria’s water resource management by reconstituting the executive leadership of twelve River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) under the Ministry of Water Resources. This move underscores the administration’s focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of these critical organizations, which play a vital role in agricultural development, water supply, and rural infrastructure across the nation. The appointments reflect a strategic effort to inject fresh perspectives and expertise into the RBDAs, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of Nigerian citizens. The reshuffle spans the breadth of the country, encompassing RBDAs responsible for diverse geographical regions and impacting numerous states.
The newly appointed leadership comprises a blend of experienced professionals and seasoned administrators, drawn from various fields and representing a wide spectrum of expertise. Each RBDA’s executive management team consists of a Chairman, a Managing Director, and four Executive Directors, each responsible for crucial portfolios such as finance, engineering, agriculture, and planning & design. This structured approach aims to ensure comprehensive oversight and effective management of the RBDAs’ multifaceted operations. The selection process appears to have prioritized individuals with strong ties to the regions served by each RBDA, suggesting an emphasis on local knowledge and community engagement.
The Ogun-Osun RBDA, covering Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun states, will be led by Chairman Odebunmi Olusegun from Oyo State and Managing Director Dr. Adedeji Ashiru from Osun State. Moving north, the Upper Benue RBDA, responsible for Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Bauchi states, will be steered by Chairman Sanusi Babantanko from Bauchi State and Managing Director Samuel Mahmud Mohammed from Taraba State. The Chad Basin Development Authority, covering the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, will be headed by Prof. Abdu Dauda from Borno State as Chairman and Tijjani Tumsa from Yobe State as Managing Director.
Further south, the Benin-Owena Development Authority, serving Edo, Delta North, Ondo, and Ekiti states, will be under the leadership of Chairman Mike Ezomo from Edo State and Managing Director Femi Adekanbi from Ondo State. The Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, encompassing Rivers, Bayelsa, and parts of Delta State, will be led by Chairman Ebikemi Bosin from Delta State and Managing Director Amgbare Ebitimi from Bayelsa State. The Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, covering Niger, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will be overseen by Chairman Haruna Usman from Niger State and Managing Director Dangajere Jaja from Kaduna State.
The Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, responsible for Kwara and Kogi states, will be headed by Chairman Abdullateef Alakawa from Kwara State and Managing Director George Olumoroti from Kogi State. The Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, covering Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, will be led by Chairman Dr. Amos Yadukso from Plateau State and Managing Director Ninga Terese from Benue State. The Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, serving Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi states, will be steered by Chairman Emmanuel Anosike from Anambra State and Managing Director Emeka Nduka from Imo State.
In the northwest, the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, covering Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi states, will be led by Chairman Mamman Aliyu from Jigawa State and Managing Director Rabiu Bichi from Kano State. The Cross River Basin Development Authority, serving Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, will be under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Wabilly Nyiam from Cross River State and Managing Director Glory Oho from Akwa Ibom State. Finally, the Sokoto Rima Basin Development Authority, responsible for Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina states, will be headed by Chairman Bello Wurno from Sokoto State and Managing Director Abubakar Mallam from Kebbi State.
These appointments represent a significant investment in the future of Nigeria’s water resource management. The diverse expertise and regional representation within the newly appointed leadership teams are expected to bring a renewed focus on effective service delivery and sustainable development. President Tinubu’s emphasis on bolstering the efficiency of the RBDAs signifies a commitment to leveraging these institutions for the betterment of citizens’ lives, particularly in rural communities where access to water and agricultural development are crucial for economic empowerment and improved quality of life. The success of these appointments will be measured by the tangible impact on water resource management, agricultural productivity, and the overall socio-economic development of the regions served by each RBDA.
