Water, sanitation, food security vital to national development – Federal Ministry

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, has emphasized the critical role of water, sanitation, and food security in Nigeria’s development agenda.

Speaking on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the opening ceremony of the National Technical Committee Meeting on Water Resources and Sanitation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Pheelangwah highlighted how these sectors directly impact public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.

He noted that the theme of the 31st National Council meeting, “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change,” emphasizes the urgent need to address issues such as flooding, drought, contaminated water supplies, and degraded landscapes, which collectively threaten food security and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services in Nigeria.

Mr. Pheelangwah explained that the National Technical Committee serves as a platform to address these challenges, particularly in the context of climate change.

He also recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security, which highlights the importance of collaboration between ministries and agencies to promote sustainable irrigation and farmland development nationwide.

He stated that under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Ministry has initiated several projects integrating climate considerations into water management strategies.

The Permanent Secretary urged the committee, composed of experts from across Nigeria, to prepare actionable memoranda addressing pressing issues in the water sector.

He emphasized that the success of the council meeting depends on stakeholders’ commitment to producing solutions aligned with national development goals.

“Climate change is increasingly impacting access to clean water and nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable populations. Sustainable development and continuous engagement among stakeholders are essential to overcoming these challenges,” Mr. Pheelangwah said.

Declaring the session open, Barr. Mrs. Emma Udonsek, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, aligned the meeting’s theme with the state’s ARISE Agenda.

She called on participants to adopt innovative strategies to tackle climate change while ensuring sustainable water and food security.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Director of Fisheries Technology and Support Services, the World Bank, and other stakeholders in the water sector.

Monday’s Technical Committee session serves as a precursor to the 31st National Council Meeting on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

The meeting aims to review memoranda and develop policies that will enhance Nigeria’s water and sanitation sector, foster economic growth, and improve public health resilience.

The session was attended by representatives from states, the Federal Capital Territory, and other key stakeholders committed to addressing the challenges facing the sector.

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