Utsev calls for multisectoral collaboration in utilization of water resources infrastructure

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev on Thursday  urged States, local governments, and Water and Sanitation Stakeholders to utilize the Federal government’s Water Resources infrastructure to bolster food production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and declaration of State of Emergency on Food Security.

Giving his keynote address at the 30th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation themed “People, Planet, and Prosperity: Promoting Water Governance for National Food Security,” the Minister highlighted Water Resources Management’s pivotal role in achieving food security, economic growth, and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

He emphasized Federal Government’s commitment to promoting irrigation as a means to transform Nigeria’s food production landscape, create employment, and ensure food security for all.

He disclosed that notable completed Federal Government irrigation projects include the Hadejia Valley 5,750ha Irrigation Scheme, Kano River 14,444ha Irrigation Scheme, and Gari 2,114ha Irrigation project in Kano and Jigawa under the World Bank-sponsored Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project. He further maintained that the Ministry is also nearing completion of developing irrigable areas totaling over 15,000ha, set to be handed over to farmers by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2024.

The Minister underscored the importance of robust water governance frameworks to tackle challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and climate change impacts. He added that plans are underway to develop over 15,000 hectares of irrigable lands in collaboration with States, Local governments, and Private Sector partners, aiming to reach 500,000 hectares by 2030.

Prof. Utsev disclosed the challenges of non-utilization of impounded bulk raw water in Dam reservoirs due to the reluctance of other tiers of government responsible for downstream infrastructure development.

He stressed the need for effective collaboration among stakeholders in the Water Sector, particularly between the three tiers of Government, to maximize the benefits of completed dams, water supply, and irrigation infrastructure across the country.

The Minister also highlighted advancements in Water infrastructure since the last council meeting held in Sokoto and reiterated  Federal Government’s commitment to addressing challenges such as Open Defecation, improving water quality, and enhancing climate resilience in the water sector.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo, emphasized the Ministry’s focus on developing a draft Strategic Plan (2024-2027) and a Draft Ministerial Performance Management Framework to guide its mandate over the next four years.

Goronyo also stressed the engagement of massive dry-season agricultural/irrigation activities by the 12 River Basins Development Authorities to boost food production and generate employment, calling for unity among Water and Sanitation experts, Stakeholders, and Development Partners to formulate effective policies  that will ensure effective Water Resources Management.

The Minister of FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Udoh Samuel Attang,  and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Sada Soli, underscored the significance of the outcomes of the 30th Council meeting for the nation’s future food security and socio-economic development, stressing the importance of strengthening International Collaborations to achieve food security in Nigeria.

Thirty-three (33) Honourable Commissioners responsible for Water Resources and related sectors from the States attended the meeting, along with Permanent Secretaries of State Ministries responsible for Water Resources, Directors of Federal and State Ministries of Water Resources, Chief Executive Officers of both Federal and State Parastatals and Agencies in the Water Sector.

Additionally, representatives from various organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigerian Society of Engineers, and Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologists were present. Members of academia, non-governmental organizations, and development partners also participated, contributing to the robust discussions and exchange of ideas during the meeting.