The Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe, have reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at rehabilitating and expanding regional water infrastructure to deliver potable water to host communities.
The commitment was solidified during a high-level stakeholder meeting held at the NIOMCO Conference Hall in Itakpe on Tuesday.
Leading the state delegation, the Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya M.D. Farouk, stated that the primary objective of the visit was to formally reactivate a major water supply project originally initiated between 2020 and 2021. The project, which utilizes the Osara Dam, was temporarily suspended but retains all valid approvals and official correspondences.
Engr. Farouk highlighted that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is fully dedicated to reviving the Osara Dam to supply treated water across the four Local Government Areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District: Adavi, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene.
“It is important to stress at this juncture that our leader, the Chief Servant, His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, remains committed to providing necessary infrastructure for the people,” Engr. Farouk stated. “All sectors will be touched positively for the benefit of the people because this is the contract he signed with the citizenry. This visit is significant in many respects, and we shall ensure that this water project is revitalized.”
The Commissioner added that a reputable consulting firm, GAUFF Consultants Nig Ltd, has been engaged to conduct detailed engineering designs and studies. He noted that similar regional water schemes are planned for replication across Kogi State’s other senatorial districts. Furthermore, Engr. Farouk expressed optimism that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would restore NIOMCO’s operational fortunes alongside its host communities.
In his welcome address, the Acting Sole Administrator of NIOMCO, Engr. I. F. Loto, confirmed receipt of the Ministry’s official requests and expressed the company’s readiness to cooperate constructively.
Engr. Loto noted that community water provision aligns directly with NIOMCO’s foundational mandate, which designed water infrastructure to serve both iron ore processing operations and surrounding settlements. He revealed that approximately 3,000 cubic meters of water have been earmarked for community supply.
However, Engr. Loto emphasized technical constraints limiting current capacity, explaining that the earth dam has suffered reduced storage volume over the years due to silt accumulation. He underscored the urgent need for desilting and structural rehabilitation to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, NIOMCO officials sought clarification regarding recent third-party installations observed around the dam perimeter to prevent any threat to the facility’s structural integrity.
The strategic meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on a joint framework to address technical requirements, protect critical infrastructure, and fast-track the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water to Itakpe and neighboring communities.
