Nigeria and the Arab Republic of Egypt today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the field of water resources management. The MoU was signed at the sidelines of the ongoing 7th Cairo Water Week in Cairo, Egypt.
According to a release from the ministry of water resources and sanitation, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, signed on behalf of Egypt.
Under the MoU, both countries will collaborate in harnessing, developing, and managing water resources for the benefit of their citizens. Key areas of cooperation include participatory irrigation development, the operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, aquatic weed control using mechanical and biological methods, flood management, drought forecasting, water harvesting technologies, and technical assistance in groundwater management. The MoU also covers water resources governance and security, climate change adaptation, the impact of climate change on food security, and freshwater restoration and protection.
Additionally, both nations will work together to monitor water quality, with a focus on bio-monitoring, and improve integrated dam and reservoir management to ensure effective and efficient operations.
Speaking shortly after the signing, today in Cairo, Egypt, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, hailed the MoU as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s strong commitment, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to develop water infrastructure. He noted that this partnership will boost irrigation farming, enhance food security, increase hydropower generation, and ensure the regular maintenance of dams and reservoirs in Nigeria.
Prof. Utsev assured his Egyptian counterpart of Nigeria’s dedication to working closely with Egypt to deploy expertise and technology for effective water management that benefits citizens of both nations.
Egyptian Minister Prof. Hani Sewilam expressed optimism that the MoU would strengthen the already robust relationship between Nigeria and Egypt, particularly in water management. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening cooperation with all African countries on water and climate change issues, especially during the meeting of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), to address water challenges and the impacts of climate change across the continent.