Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago Appeals for Patience Over Water Shortage in Niger State

MINNA, Niger State — 1 March 2026 — By Enock Damidami, Sele Media AfricaThe Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has appealed to residents of Minna and surrounding communities to remain patient as his administration intensifies efforts to address the persistent potable water shortage affecting the state capital.Speaking at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna on Sunday, Governor Bago acknowledged that the ongoing water scarcity is largely the result of decades of neglected infrastructure, including aging water treatment facilities and obsolete distribution pipelines. According to him, much of the system currently in use was installed over 30 years ago and can no longer meet the demands of the rapidly growing population.The governor explained that fractured pipelines, silted reservoirs, and overstretched treatment plants have significantly reduced the efficiency of water supply across the metropolis. He noted that the infrastructure inherited by his administration was not designed to serve the present population size.Governor Bago outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at restoring reliable water supply in both the short and long term. The measures include the desilting and rehabilitation of the Togwai Dam to improve water storage capacity, replacement and expansion of aging pipelines, and the deployment of water tankers to supply affected communities.He also disclosed plans to partner with development agencies to drill additional boreholes in underserved areas as part of immediate relief interventions.While acknowledging the hardship residents are currently facing, the governor assured citizens that the state government is committed to a lasting solution. He emphasized that ongoing rehabilitation and upgrade projects will require time but are necessary to ensure sustainable water supply.Governor Bago further linked some of the water supply challenges to electricity disruptions, which have affected pumping and treatment operations. He urged residents to cooperate with government agencies as the restoration work progresses.The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving public utilities and thanked members of the media for keeping the public informed about developments in the water sector.