FG Comits To Ensuring Water, Food Security

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring water and food security in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWRS) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change.”

A statement signed by the ministry’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan, highlights the severe impact of climate change on water availability and agriculture.

The statement underscores the crucial role of both federal and state governments in managing water resources while advocating for stronger collaboration, policy development, and investment in innovative solutions to address these challenges.

According to the statement, the Minister outlined the progress made since the 30th Council Meeting in February 2024, including the completion of over 40 water supply projects across rural, small-towns, and urban areas.

“Additionally, 44 projects were implemented under the PEWASH programme, 45 under the SURWASH programme, and 64 projects were funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Inclusive Basic Delivery System for Development and Livelihood Empowerment Improvement Project”.

It also highlights advancements in water quality, sanitation, and hygiene, such as the completion of the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia, the monitoring of Nigeria’s Atlas of Rivers and Open Waterbodies, and the Clean Nigeria Campaign, which has now validated 142 Local Government Areas as Open Defecation Free (ODF).

The statement emphasizes the ministry’s role in boosting food security and poverty reduction through irrigation projects, noting that the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori Irrigation Schemes, the near completion of the Middle Rima Valley Irrigation Phase 2, and the commencement of new irrigation projects in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States will boost the sector.

According to the statement, the Minister urges state governments to intensify efforts to achieve Nigeria’s irrigation, water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and climate resilience targets.

It adds that declaring the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation open, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Bassey- Eno, emphasizes the critical link between water and food security and the need for a coordinated, sustainable approach to tackling these challenges.

The statement says the governor reaffirms his administration’s commitment to the ARISE agenda, which prioritizes efficient water management for irrigation, fisheries, livestock production, and climate resilience.

“Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the state’s water sector, including the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the implementation of policies that enhance access to clean water and sanitation.”

According to the statement, Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli, who commends the organizers for their dedication to shaping policies that enhance water resource management and ensure sustainable development stressed the urgent need to address inefficiencies in management through effective partnership, increased public awareness, and strategic investment in sustainable infrastructure.

In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah expresses deep gratitude for the successful hosting of the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, acknowledging the efforts of all participants.

PR/Georgina Humphrey