By joshua 
Kogi Govt, NIOMCO Move to Revive Osara Dam Water Project for Central Senatorial District
The Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, NIOMCO, Itakpe, have pledged to deepen collaboration to rehabilitate and expand water infrastructure, a move expected to restore reliable potable water supply to host communities and the wider Central Senatorial District.
The commitment was made on Tuesday during a strategic meeting between officials of the Ministry and management of NIOMCO, held at the NIOMCO Conference Hall in Itakpe.
Speaking during the visit, the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya M.D. Farouk, said the engagement was aimed at formally seeking partnership for the optimal use of Osara Dam and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to deliver safe drinking water to communities around the mining company and beyond.
He expressed concern over the decline in activities at what was once one of Nigeria’s most vibrant mining complexes, but noted that there is renewed optimism under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, the revitalization of NIOMCO will directly benefit adjoining communities if critical support infrastructure such as water is also restored.
Engr. Farouk explained that the Ministry’s visit was primarily to reactivate a regional water supply project initiated between 2020 and 2021 but later suspended. He stressed that all necessary approvals and official correspondences on the project remain valid, and that His Excellency, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is fully committed to reviving Osara Dam and ensuring the project is executed.
The Commissioner disclosed that the project is designed to treat and supply potable water to the four Local Government Areas in the Central Senatorial District: Adavi, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene. To drive the process, a reputable consulting firm, GAUFF Consultants Nig Ltd, has been engaged to carry out detailed studies and engineering designs. He added that a similar model is being proposed for replication across the other senatorial districts in line with the Governor’s pledge to make water supply a priority for all Kogites.
“It is important to stress that our leader, the Chief Servant, His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure for our people. This means all sectors will be touched positively for the benefit of the people, because that is the contract he signed with them. This visit is therefore significant, and we shall ensure that the water project is revitalized,” Engr. Farouk stated.
In his welcome address, the Acting Sole Administrator of NIOMCO, Engineer I. F. Lot*, acknowledged the Ministry’s request for water supply to communities around the company. He said the request had been received through official correspondence and assured that the company is ready to engage constructively to achieve the shared objectives.
Engr. Loto recalled that one of the original objectives behind the establishment of NIOMCO was to support host communities, noting that the company’s water infrastructure was designed not only for iron ore processing but also to provide potable water to workers and neighboring towns. He disclosed that about 3,000 cubic metres of water had been earmarked for community supply, but explained that the company is currently unable to exceed that allocation due to limitations in the dam’s present capacity.
He noted that Osara Dam, being an earth dam, has suffered a reduction in storage capacity over the years due to silt accumulation, making desilting and rehabilitation critical to improving efficiency and long-term sustainability. The Acting Sole Administrator also raised concerns about certain installations observed around the dam and sought clarification on their origin and purpose to ensure they do not compromise the structural integrity of the facility.
While welcoming the delegation, he reaffirmed NIOMCO’s willingness to provide necessary support within the framework of existing approvals and operational capacity.
Discussions at the meeting centered on sustained collaboration between both institutions to upgrade water infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and guarantee dependable access to potable water for residents of Itakpe and adjoining communities.
Stakeholders present expressed confidence that the renewed partnership will not only expand access to safe water but also support the socio-economic development of host communities and complement ongoing efforts to restore NIOMCO to full operational capacity.