The Kogi State Government has formally handed over the Greater Lokoja Water Works to Gamji Nigeria Company Limited to undergo emergency electro-mechanical repairs and equipment installation, aiming to restore potable water supply to the state capital and surrounding areas.
Speaking Monday during the official site handover ceremony, Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya M. D. Farouk, announced that the project carries a four-month completion timeline.
Farouk stated that the contract was recently approved by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as part of the administration’s commitment to effective service delivery and improving living standards for citizens. He noted that the selection of Gamji Nigeria Company Limited was based on the firm’s track record with major water contracts across Nigeria and beyond, while urging the contractor to maintain high standards throughout execution.
The commissioner directed the firm to commence operations immediately and instructed the facility’s interim management team to provide full cooperation and access. He expressed optimism that the high-lift station would be ready for test running before the end of December.
Farouk clarified that the present electro-mechanical rehabilitation represents an initial phase, to be followed immediately by civil works. Pumping operations will run concurrently with subsequent civil construction phases as the state prioritizes the facility’s full restoration.
Engr. Michael Oko, team lead for Gamji Nigeria Company Limited, assured state officials that the firm possesses the necessary competency to complete the rehabilitation within the designated four-month window without delays, committing to strict adherence to standard specifications.
Ministry officials present at the event commended the development. Mr. Alhassan Omakoji, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, characterized the handover as a long-awaited milestone for Lokoja residents, urging the contractor to deliver with professionalism and transparency. Engr. Lawal MomohJimoh, General Manager of the Kogi State Water Board, commended Governor Ododo’s responsiveness to public needs and highlighted the leadership of the water resources ministry.
With immediate work underway, state authorities project that the operational capacity of the plant will be restored, effectively addressing Lokoja’s potable water challenges by January 2027.
