Pix L-R: Dr Aliyu Maradun, being presented with 2025 People’s Security Monitor meritorious award by Isiaka Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer/Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor, last Wednesday in Abuja

By Isiaka Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer/Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Dr Aliyu Muhammad Maradun, Head of Department (Commerce) at the Federal Capital Territory Water Board, Abuja, is widely regarded as one of the most dedicated and visionary professionals in Nigeria’s water sector. For decades, he has committed his career to ensuring that residents of Abuja and its suburbs have reliable access to potable and drinkable water, combining technical expertise with an unwavering sense of public service.

His career reflects a rare blend of discipline, knowledge, and foresight. Speaking during a post exclusive interview after receiving the 2025 People’s Security Monitor prestigious award for Water Security, Dr Maradun emphasized the broader significance of water access. “Water is the foundation of health, productivity, and social stability,” he said. “Ensuring safe water for every community is not just an operational goal, it is a societal responsibility.”

A key pillar of Dr Maradun’s approach has been sustainable revenue generation to finance water expansion. “Revenue is the engine that powers service delivery,” he explained. Under his leadership, improved billing systems, reduction of revenue leakages, and efficient financial management have strengthened internally generated funds, enabling the Water Board to extend pipelines, upgrade treatment plants, and maintain existing infrastructure across Abuja.

Dr Maradun’s journey through various departments of the Water Board has earned him a reputation for excellence at every level. Colleagues note that his presence has consistently led to higher operational standards, more efficient service delivery, and a culture of accountability. His broad experience has made him one of the most respected technocrats within the Federal Capital Territory water sector.

Academically distinguished, Dr Maradun proudly holds a PhD, making him one of the most highly educated personnel in the Water Board. “Education equips you with the tools to understand complex systems, but service gives those tools meaning,” he reflected. “I have always sought to apply knowledge to solve real challenges in water delivery and management.”

Abuja’s daily water demand runs into hundreds of millions of litres, placing significant pressure on the city’s infrastructure. Dr Maradun has been at the forefront of ensuring that this demand is met without compromising quality. He emphasized that every litre supplied must meet national safety standards, ensuring households receive water that is not only available but safe to drink.

Beyond urban centers, Dr Maradun has championed rural water access. He openly praised the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for prioritizing large scale pipe laying projects to rural areas. “I must commend the Honourable Minister for embarking on large scale water pipe laying to rural areas,” he said. “These projects are designed to take potable water directly to communities that have long been underserved.”

He further highlighted the Minister’s overall impact on Abuja residents. “Minister Wike’s dedication ensures that every citizen, whether in the city center or the rural periphery, has access to safe and reliable water,” Dr Maradun noted. “This is transformative, improving health, sanitation, and quality of life for millions.”

Dr Maradun also emphasized the enabling environment created by the Minister’s leadership. “When political will aligns with technical expertise, we are empowered to deliver effectively,” he said. “The Minister’s commitment has motivated professionals across the Water Board to maintain high standards and pursue excellence in service delivery.”

Within the Water Board, Dr Maradun is recognized as an exemplary leader. His management style combines mentorship with accountability, fostering a culture of professionalism and integrity. “Leadership is about guiding, inspiring, and supporting your team while ensuring the mission is fulfilled,” he remarked. “We work not just for compliance, but to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

His decades of service, leadership, and commitment to water security earned him the 2025 People’s Security Monitor prestigious award for Water Security. The award acknowledged his role in linking water access to public health, social stability, and national security, highlighting the importance of effective revenue management in sustaining and expanding water infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Dr Maradun remains focused on innovation, expansion, and quality. “As Abuja continues to grow, our responsibility grows with it,” he said. “We must ensure financial sustainability, expand networks, maintain quality, and reach every community. Every litre of clean water delivered is a promise kept, and that is what drives me each day.” His story stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and the belief that sustainable revenue can turn infrastructure plans into life-changing realities for millions.