Food Security : FG, UAE Strengthen Partnership On Water, Irrigation

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in water resources, sanitation and irrigated agriculture to boost food security and sustainable development.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, stated this during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed AlShamsi and Head of Political and Economic Affairs at the UAE Embassy, Saif Bin Thani, in Abuja.

Prof. Utsev said the Tinubu administration has prioritised agriculture and water supply as critical sectors for achieving food security, expanding access to clean water, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

He stressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the UAE through technical cooperation, investment opportunities and institutional partnerships aimed at improving water management and agricultural productivity.

On his part, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed AlShamsi said the visit was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration on the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative and other water and energy-related projects.

AlShamsi also invited the Minister to participate in the forthcoming Water Forum to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in December, where global stakeholders will discuss solutions to water and sanitation challenges.

The Ambassador commended President Bola Tinubu for fostering stronger bilateral relations, noting that the UAE remains Nigeria’s largest Arab trading partner, accounting for about 47 per cent of Nigeria’s trade with Arab nations.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in sustainable water management, irrigation development and economic growth for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji