Nigerian Govt Collaborates Egypt to Boost Food Production, Water Resources

The Nigerian and Egypt governments have agreed to collaborate in the areas of water resources, food production and sanitation towards enhancing the wellbeing of citizens.

This is the outcome of a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, and the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Amb. Moustafa Awad, during a courtesy visit by the latter to the Minister’s office in Abuja, recently.

The Ambassador during the meeting presented draft copies of Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and an invitation to the Cairo Water Week to the Minister.

A press statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit of the ministry, Mrs. Imuetinyan Funmi, quoted the minister as emphasising the determination of the present administration to ensure the success of its ‘Food Security Mandate’ and ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’

Utsev also informed that President Bola Tinibu recognizes the pivotal role of water resources in achieving food security and overall economic stability.

The Minister also highlighted the Ministry’s inclusion of “Sanitation” in its name as indicating the importance attached to issues of water and sanitation by the Nigerian government.

He accepted an invitation to the upcoming Egyptian Water Week, scheduled for October 29, 2023, in Egypt.

Earlier in his remarks, the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Moustafa Awad, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to partner with Nigeria in various aspects including Water Management, Flood management, Irrigation, Crop cultivation, and Sanitation.

He also highlighted the ongoing discussions regarding Public Private Partnerships with Rice Farmers Association and other stakeholders in Nigeria, with focus on areas such as Animal husbandry and food production, with finalization expected soon.