Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Water, Food Security

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring water and food security for the citizens, with a strong focus on climate resilience and sustainability.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev re-emphasised this at the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWRS) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Professor Utsev highlighted the severe impact of climate change on water availability and agriculture, emphasising the crucial role of both Nigerian and State governments in managing water resources.

He called for stronger collaboration, policy development, and investment in innovative solutions to tackle these challenges.

Professor Utsev outlined the progress made since the 30th Council Meeting in February 2024, including the completion of over 40 water supply projects across rural, small-town, 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.

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

Flood control

In the area of flood control and dam development, Professor Utsev reported ongoing nationwide dam safety assessments, stressing that “the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued forecasts promptly before the onset of the rainy season to serve as preventive measures necessary to improve the safety of lives and property.”

Food security

Professor Utsev also emphasised the ministry’s role in boosting food security and poverty reduction through irrigation projects.

He noted 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.

The Minister further highlighted key initiatives, including hosting the 4th Regional Workshop on Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) in Uyo and preparations for the ICID-6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja (April 2025).

Professor Utsev urged state governments to intensify efforts to achieve Nigeria’s irrigation, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and climate resilience targets.

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

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the ARISE agenda, which prioritises efficient water management for irrigation, fisheries, livestock production, and climate resilience.

The Minister highlighted efforts 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.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Mr. Sada Soli
expressed his delight in representing the 10th House Committee at the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation.

Soli emphasised the importance of the event’s theme amid growing global climate challenges.

He commended the organisers for their dedication to shaping policies that enhance water resource management and ensure sustainable development.

Recognising Nigeria’s abundant water resources, he stressed the urgent need to address inefficiencies in management through effective partnerships, increased public awareness, and strategic investment in sustainable infrastructure.

The theme for this year’s meeting is “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change.”

PR/Terver