The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to water and food security, with a strong focus on climate resilience and sustainable water management. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this declaration at the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWRS) Meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He emphasized the urgent need for policy development, investment, and collaboration to address the growing impact of climate change on water availability and agriculture.
Utsev outlined key achievements 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, the government has implemented 44 projects under the PEWASH programme, 45 under SURWASH, and 64 projects funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Other advancements include new irrigation schemes, flood control measures, and improved sanitation infrastructure, contributing to Nigeria’s climate adaptation and food security efforts.
Highlighting progress in sanitation and hygiene, the Minister noted the completion of National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Asaba and Umuahia, as well as the expansion of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, which has now validated 142 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as Open Defecation Free (ODF). He also reported that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has intensified nationwide dam safety assessments and issued early flood forecasts to safeguard lives and property.
The government is also boosting agricultural productivity through major irrigation projects, including the completed Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori Irrigation Schemes and the near completion of the Middle Rima Valley Irrigation Phase 2. New irrigation projects have also commenced in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States. The Minister emphasized the need for state governments to strengthen efforts in achieving Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and climate resilience goals.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including House Committee Chairman on Water Resources, Sada Soli, and Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed the importance of sustainable water management, strategic investment, and effective partnerships. They called for a coordinated approach to optimizing Nigeria’s abundant water resources, ensuring long-term benefits for agriculture, irrigation, and climate adaptation. The event also set the stage for Nigeria’s 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage, scheduled for April 2025 in Abuja.
