Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has appealed to residents—especially those in Minna—to remain patient amid the ongoing water scarcity, assuring that measures are underway to resolve the crisis.

Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Minna, the governor addressed key concerns affecting residents, including water shortages, electricity supply challenges, and insecurity in parts of the state.

Bago explained that the water crisis stems largely from decades of neglected infrastructure, noting that several pipelines, some dating back 30 to 40 years, have deteriorated and broken down.

He also pointed to ongoing construction activities and rapid population growth in the state capital as factors straining the existing water supply system. To tackle the problem, the governor said the government has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the water infrastructure aimed at delivering a sustainable solution.

According to him, efforts include desilting the Tagwai Dam, replacing obsolete pipelines, rehabilitating the distribution network in Minna, and expanding reservoirs and water articulation systems to improve access to potable water.

“In the interim, we are deploying water tankers to supply affected communities,” he said. “We are also working with development partners to drill boreholes in areas where residents urgently need safe drinking water.”

On electricity, the governor urged residents to explore alternative power options, revealing that critical public institutions—such as hospitals, schools, and the Government House—have already been migrated from the national grid to ensure uninterrupted services.

He further disclosed that the state is collaborating with the Federal Government to combat insecurity and restore normalcy in affected communities.

Bago also expressed concern that insecurity and flooding have displaced more than 300,000 people across 10 local government areas.

The governor concluded by commending the media for their support and encouraged continued professional and objective reporting on government activities.