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By Abdullahi Inuwa
KATSINA, AUGUST 26, 2026 — The Federal Government has stepped up preparations for the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project in Katsina State, with a high-powered technical team inspecting the Danja Dam to assess its safety and structural condition.
The inspection, which focused largely on the integrity of the dam ahead of proposed rehabilitation and other interventions, was led by SPIN Project Coordinator, Engr. Shamsuddeen Sulaiman, alongside members of the Federal Project Monitoring Unit headed by Engr. Tawo Ogekan.
The delegation also comprised members of the Dam Safety Review Panel of Experts, including Engr. Prof. Donald Adgedx, DSRP.E; Engr. Offie M.O.; Engr. Usman Abubakar T.U.; and Engr. Charles Okeke, DSRP.E.
Other SPIN officials who took part in the assessment included Procurement Officer, Engr. Mustapha Dan Malam; Project Engineer, Engr. Aminu Lawal Musa; Environmental Officer, Usman Adamu; and Gender Officer, Aisha Sifiyanu Masari.
During the exercise, the experts conducted detailed checks on both the internal and external components of Danja Dam, examining its present condition and identifying possible areas requiring attention.
The assessment, according to the team, is intended to provide the technical basis for ensuring that the facility remains structurally sound, safe to operate and capable of delivering its intended benefits to communities.
Speaking during the inspection, Sulaiman thanked the Federal Project Monitoring Unit and the Dam Safety Review Panel for undertaking the technical assessment.
He said the findings and recommendations from the exercise would be crucial to strengthening the dam’s safety and sustainability while positioning it to deliver greater benefits to the people of Katsina.
The SPIN coordinator also commended Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, for what he described as his administration’s sustained commitment to improving the welfare of residents through irrigation and dry-season agricultural development.
He equally acknowledged the support of the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Mannir Ayuba Sullubawa, saying his administrative guidance had contributed to efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of the project in the state.
On his part, the leader of the federal delegation, Engr. Tawo Ogekan, praised the Katsina State Government for its cooperation and commitment to the SPIN initiative.
Ogekan stressed that strong collaboration between the Federal Government, state authorities, technical experts and other stakeholders would be essential to delivering the project successfully.
He described the Danja Dam inspection as a critical component of the process, noting that dam safety remains a major priority under the SPIN programme.
According to him, ensuring the structural stability and safe operation of dams is necessary not only to protect communities but also to unlock the economic potential of water infrastructure for agriculture, irrigation and other productive activities.
The Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project is a World Bank-supported Federal Government initiative designed to tackle some of Nigeria’s interconnected water, food and energy challenges.
The project seeks to improve irrigation and drainage services, strengthen dam safety and water-resource management, while supporting the development and planning of hydropower infrastructure in selected parts of the country.
The Federal Project Monitoring Unit said it would maintain close engagement with the Katsina State Government and other stakeholders as preparations continue towards the full implementation of the SPIN Project.
The latest inspection is expected to provide important technical guidance for future interventions at Danja Dam and reinforce efforts to expand the role of irrigation infrastructure in boosting agricultural production and livelihoods across Katsina State.
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