By joshua 
Turning Taps Back On: Kogi’s Water Resources Commissioner Yahaya MD Farouk Leads Revival of Lokoja Water Works
By Abu Micheal
Lokoja, Kogi State — Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk, the Commissioner for Water Resources, has been steering the state’s water sector through uncharted waters.
When he took over the office as Commissioner, the flagship Greater Lokoja Water Works — the lifeline for thousands of residents — lay dormant, leaving many homes without reliable water supply.
Since then, his team has rolled up sleeves to revive the old Lokoja Water Works, though not without human challenges, like vandalization, amongst others still affecting the plant built in the 50s.
From fixing broken pumps to clearing debris and securing emergency funding, the progress, though gradual, is visible that the Commissioner’s vision of reviving Old Lokoja Water Works, expanding borehole coverage, securing massive funding for the Greater Lokoja Waterworks upgrade is realized.
Residents like Aisha Umar, a local market vendor, share their hope: “We’ve seen water trickle back after months of dry taps. It’s not perfect, but we trust the process.”
Another resident, Mr. James Okoye, adds “Farouk’s commitment gives us confidence. We just need patience as they finish the job.”
For Engr. Farouk’s initiatives shows a blend of infrastructure upgrade, professional credibility, and strategic planning—all aimed at moving Lokoja from intermittent water supply to a reliable, long‑term system.
Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk a Civil Engineer, had a stint in the public service, before he retired meritoriously, following the attainment of the mandatory 35 years for retirement.
Before now, Engr. Farouk is reputed to have previously supervised many project, that rated him as one amongst the best in his field.
With a vision for “Safe, consistent water for every household in Kogi”, Engr. Farouk has always called for patience, assuring that the Water Sector remains Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo’s first priority.
Towards the return to the Greater Lokoja Water Works that collapsed before the advent of the Gov. Ododo’s administration, Engr. Farouk mulls a partnership and other options presented to Gov. Ododo’s administration that will include securing N100 bn funding plan for a full overhaul of the Greater Lokoja Waterworks.
This option includes new pipelines that will enable reticulation to other parts not covered by the scheme earlier, treatment plants, and independent power supply for uninterrupted supply of water to residents within and outside Lokoja metropolis.
While the revamp continues, Engr. Farouk has continued to urge residents to bear with the challenge as the final phases — pressure testing, pipeline upgrades, and quality checks — will soon be completed, maintaining that the state government assures that sustainable solutions are on the horizon.
Engr. Farouk holds a Fellowship Promotion of NICE. He was elevated to Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), a recognition of his engineering excellence and leadership in the profession.
Some Project Design and Supervision in Civil Engineering carried out by Engr. Farouk before his new appointment include:
– Designed and supervised construction of Rimi Bridge (Lokoja), several housing units (e.g., 10‑room bungalow for Alh. Shuaibu D. Ndakwo, 5‑bedroom duplex for Major A.D. Muhammed), and an office complex for Lokoja LGEA.
He also Oversaw rehabilitation of Maigari’s Palace and construction of access roads/culverts (e.g., Obajana Truck Terminal, Gerinya Basic Health Centre).
His Professional Leadership includes:
– Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Lokoja Branch and past Vice‑Chairman and Financial Secretary of the branch.
He is a Member of several professional bodies such as Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), COREN (registered Civil Engineer).
His Educational and Training Credentials shows that Engr. Farouk holds
– HND Building Technology and HND Civil Engineering (Structures). PGD Civil Engineering and M.Eng Civil Engineering.
Engr. Farouk trained in Waste Management & City Governance (Malaysia, 2012) and other multiple short courses.