Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has urged the Federal Government to concession dams under its care to states interested in managing them, saying that state governments will put such dams to better use for the benefit of the citizenry.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal inspecting irrigation work at Goronyo Dam in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, with the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Mukhtar Anka, during inspection of irrigation works at the Goronyo Dam. 06-03-16

Mr. Tambuwal was speaking when he inspected irrigation works at the Goronyo Dam in Sokoto.

He said it will be economically more viable if states were allowed to manage the dams since they benefit directly from its resources.

“Almost all the citizens who use the dams for irrigation and other purposes are under the care of the state governments, so it will be economically wise if FG can concession the dams and allow us to manage it,” he said.

Tambuwal, who addressed some farmers and fishermen in Goronyo on the significance of water resources available in the area, said the dam is a great asset to Sokoto state and has played a huge part in boosting farming activities among the local populace.

He said he will specifically request the Federal Government to allow Sokoto continue to handle the operations of the dam.

According to him, because of the importance of the dam, the government, along with a private firm, Erisco Foods Ltd, will set up a $250 million tomato processing factory in the area in order to allow farmers have their products processed in their localities.

In addition, the Governor said, the government will set up the state commodity marketing board to ensure fair pricing for farmers and their produce as a way of maintaining economic stability for farm produce all year round..

He also restated that efforts are being made by government to increase the farming capacity of the local communities by attracting tractor assembling company to the state.