By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to improving water management to achieve food security while addressing climate resilience.
This reaffirmation was made at the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWRS) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The event, attended by key stakeholders, highlighted ongoing and future initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable water resources and agricultural productivity.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, emphasized the critical impact of climate change on water availability and food production, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments.
He underscored the importance of increased policy development and investment in innovative solutions to address these challenges.
The minister pointed out that since the previous council meeting in February 2024, significant progress had been made, including the completion of over 40 water supply projects across rural, small-town, and urban areas.
In addition, he said, 44 projects under the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) initiative, 45 projects under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, and 64 projects funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) have been successfully implemented.
Efforts to improve water quality, sanitation, and hygiene were also highlighted by the minister, particularly through the establishment of National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia.
Professor Utsev further noted that nationwide dam safety assessments are in progress to mitigate flooding risks, with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issuing timely flood forecasts to help prevent damage and loss of lives.
On food security, the minister emphasized the role of irrigation projects in poverty reduction and agricultural expansion.
He announced 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.
Utsev also disclosed that Nigeria will host the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) 6th African Regional Conference in Abuja in April 2025, further cementing the country’s leadership in water resource management across Africa.
Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to efficient water management under the ARISE agenda, focusing on irrigation, fisheries, livestock production, and climate resilience.
Additionally, the Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Mr. Sada Soli, emphasized the relevance of this year’s NCWRS theme, “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change.”
He called for stronger partnerships, increased public awareness, and strategic investments to maximize Nigeria’s water resources for long-term sustainability.
