Abuja: President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network, Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6, pledging his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure that directly improves citizens’ lives. He described the water network as a transformative effort to guarantee safe, sustainable, and sufficient water for homes, institutions, and communities across the capital city. ‘Water is life. It is not a luxury. It is a basic human right and a foundation for public health, urban development, and economic growth,’ the President said.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the president lauded the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) led by Nyesom Wike and all project stakeholders for their dedication to the project. The president emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on delivering tangible, people-centred projects that impacted the daily lives of Nigerians. ‘This water infrastructure is not only a technical milestone, but a moral one, because it is about equity. It ensu
res that no part of Abuja is left behind in our national development agenda,’ he stated.
Tinubu thanked the international development partners, especially the Chinese government and CGC Nigeria Ltd., for their collaboration on the project. ‘We are showing the world that partnership built on mutual respect and shared prosperity can deliver real impact,’ he said. The president urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of using the water wisely and working with the government to ensure sustainability.
Wike, on his part, thanked the president for his continued support and practical interest in developing the capital city. He recounted the president’s early inquiries into Abuja’s infrastructure after assuming office, highlighting his commitment to both rail and water infrastructure. Wike explained that the project was initially awarded in 2017 for 470 million dollars under a tripartite financing arrangement involving the Chinese Government (85 per cent), Federal Government, and
FCT Administration (15 per cent).
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to extend water infrastructure to underserved communities, acknowledging a recent agreement with CGC to provide water to rural areas. ‘We are almost done with procurement to give water to Bwari, Kuje, Karu, and other communities. We are not only providing water to the city but also to the satellite towns,’ said Wike. He assured the president that future rural water projects would be delivered swiftly, expressing confidence in their completion by next year.
Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), stated that the new loops were designed to serve 50 districts across Phases Two, Three, and Four, including the FCT’s northern and southern development corridors. ‘Of the planned 10 loops, Loops 3 and 4 are already operational, supplying water from four completed storage tanks,’ he said. He explained that the project includes the construction of additional pipeline networks and the installation of
secondary trunk lines for effective distribution to end users.
According to Dauda, 425 kilometres of ductile iron pipes, ranging from 200mm to 1500mm in diameter, are being laid, comprising 256 kilometres of main trunk lines and 169 kilometres of distribution lines. The project also includes 1,670 appurtenances, such as valves and air release systems. ‘Upon completion, the project would significantly improve access to potable water for residents of Abuja,’ he said.