The Federal Government has granted a water use license to a Hydro-power generating company through the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, NIWRMC.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs Didi Jack made this known while presenting the license to Messrs Mabon Limited, in Abuja the nation’s capital,
According to her, the sustainable viability of the company is necessary and will have a multiplier effect on the economy of the nation at large.
“We welcome you on board as a key Stakeholder in Hydro-power generation and the first indigenous company in the development of the water resources sector in Nigeria while looking forward to more fruitful years of partnership.“
She also noted that licencing of water users becomes necessary and important in the nation as the government increases revenue generation, job creation, improved agricultural production, provision of health facilities and portable water supply.
“It gives me great pleasure to address you on this important occasion of the official presentation of License to a successful applicant who has, after due diligence done by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) on their application, is now eligible to be grant water licence. We appreciate the Honourable Minister for granting a One-year Moratorium to your company with a view to supporting your activities. The one-year Moratorium would result in the forfeiture of the sum of Twenty-Two Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Eight Thousand and Four Hundred and Eighty Naira (N22,848,480.00) only accruable revenue from the Water Charges, but the Honourable Minister in his magnanimity believes that the sustainable viability of your company is necessary and will have a beneficial multiplier effect on the economy of the nation at large,“ she said
The Permanent Secretary also urged the Commission to embark on strong enlightenment campaigns and awareness programmes in both electronic and print media and scale up its level of advocacy on its Water Licencing activities.
The Executive Director, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Mr Bashir Umar Magashi, emphasized the need for exercising regulations oversight over water abstraction and water-related activities.
“The paradigm shift in approach to the developing of the Nation’s Water Resources from the traditional to the global best practice on water regulations requires that appropriate legal and institutional framework and policies are put in place to drive the process.“
Mr Magashi also said that the Commission is set for another landmark with the issuance of the licence to Messer Mabon Limited having met conditions required by law.
PIAK
