The Federal Government has deepened its collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to improve water resources management, sanitation services and food security across the country.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, stated this during a meeting with a delegation from the NESG led by Mr. Nnana Ude in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev said the partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
According to the Minister, the administration is strengthening partnerships with the private sector, development partners and investors to expand access to clean water and improve sanitation services nationwide.
He noted that the Ministry is working closely with state governments and local communities to address water and sanitation challenges while advancing the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.
The Minister also urged investors to explore opportunities in irrigation and agriculture, stressing that Nigeria has vast water and land resources capable of boosting food production and enhancing national food security.
Speaking during the visit, NESG delegation leader, Mr. Nnana Ude, highlighted the group’s longstanding collaboration with the Ministry on key policy initiatives, including the Water Resources Master Plan and other strategic water sector programmes.
He stressed the need to review and update the Water Resources Master Plan, developed with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to reflect current realities and emerging challenges.
Ude expressed the readiness of the NESG to support the Ministry in strengthening water resources management, attracting investments and developing sustainable solutions for flood control and environmental resilience.
He also informed the Minister about the forthcoming anniversary of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group scheduled for October 2026 and invited the Ministry to participate in the event.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in water resources management, sanitation, irrigation development and food security to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.
