The Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA) has called for closer collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government, through its Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, to ensure the successful implementation of the Federal Government’s Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) projects in the state.
The call was made by the Managing Director of CRBDA, Obongawan Glory Oho, who led a delegation of the Authority on a courtesy visit on the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation in Uyo.
Obongawan Oho explained that the SPIN project, initiated by the Federal Government in partnership with the World Bank, is designed to modernize irrigation systems, improve dam safety, expand hydropower generation, and boost agricultural productivity across the country. She noted that Akwa Ibom, with its vast arable land and growing demand for sustainable water and power solutions, stands to benefit significantly from the initiative.
She stressed the need for synergy between CRBDA and the state government in ensuring that SPIN projects take off smoothly in Akwa Ibom State, noting that effective collaboration would strengthen implementation since every project awarded in the state requires the Governor’s approval.
In her words: “The SPIN project presents a unique opportunity for Akwa Ibom to harness its water resources for food security, energy generation, and climate resilience. We believe that strong collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will ensure that the people of the state fully benefit from this transformative programme.”
Also speaking, the Director of Planning and Design, CRBDA, Dr. Ndon Abia, revealed that the Authority is rolling out several initiatives to support the water sector in the state. He disclosed that CRBDA has secured over 2,100 hectares of land earmarked for proposed SPIN projects in Akwa Ibom.
Dr. Abia reaffirmed the Authority’s readiness to work closely with the state government through the Ministry to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Federal Government’s SPIN programme are fully achieved.
Responding, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Ubuo Ubuo, Ph.D., welcomed the delegation and commended CRBDA for its proactive engagement.
He congratulated Obongawan Glory Oho on her appointment as Managing Director of CRBDA, describing her emergence as a blessing to Akwa Ibom State, being an indigene.
The Commissioner assured the delegation of the state government’s readiness to partner with CRBDA, noting that the administration of Governor Umo Eno places high priority on food security, renewable energy, and sustainable water resource management.
He pledged that the Ministry would work closely with CRBDA to align state-level initiatives with the objectives of the SPIN project, while ensuring that Akwa Ibom meets all eligibility criteria for participation — including legal backing for Water Users Associations, counterpart funding, and provision of required infrastructure.
The courtesy visit marks a significant step in strengthening federal–state collaboration on the SPIN project, which forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” aimed at enhancing food security, water resource management, power generation (especially hydropower), and climate resilience.
