Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, professor Terlumun Utsev says Nigeria is endowed with enough water resources to alleviation the country from the present economic situation.
Professor Utsev made this known in Abuja, while declaring open a two day workshop on national action plan for harnessing water resources for food and security and poverty alleviation in Nigeria .
The Minister stressed on need for proper harnessing of these great water resources potential to promote sustainable growth of the national economy
He further called for collaboration among states and other stakeholders in the water sector for the actualazation of the share goal of the present administration
“The nexus between water resources management, agricultural development, and poverty alleviation cannot be overstated. Our nation is blessed with abundant water resources, that can be harnessed to ensure adequate food security, poverty eradication & job creation” Professor Utsev stated.
“The three (3) flagship programmes by the Ministry will be part of today’s deliberations, which are the (i) River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA); (ii) Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO); and (iii) Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme (PEIRPRO).
“These programmes represent a paradigm shift in our approach to water resources management and agricultural development to enable us to optimize the utilization of our river basin system and unlock the full potential of our agricultural sector for sustainable livelihoods of our citizenry”
“They were conceived under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, through the Department of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate to revolutionize Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, stimulate economic growth, and create avenues for job creation”
“The RB-SPA initiative seeks to prioritize interventions that enhance agricultural productivity, promote inclusive economic growth, and alleviate poverty in our river basin areas. Under this programme, we intend to empower our farmers, improve access to markets, and ensure food security for all Nigerians”
“Similarly, the other two programmes (WEIRPRO and PEIRPRO) are designed to expand irrigated agriculture, harnessing the untapped potential of our water resources to increase agricultural yields, enhance the livelihoods of people by driving economic prosperity” the Minister added.
“The programmes would leverage on innovative technologies and foster collaboration across sectors to unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and poverty alleviation”
The Minister stressed that Harnessing Water Resources for Food Security in Nigeria will provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities inherent to water resources management practices.
“It will serve as a foundation upon which we can build our collective understanding of the role that water plays in ensuring food security and sustainable development.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah said the enhancement of water resources is a global best practice to address farmers challenges and promote sustainable development.
“I am optimistic that all the presentations outlined for today’s workshop will focus on the comprehensive overview of the challenges, and opportunities that are essential to water resources management practices” the Permanent Secretary stressed
“Also, the workshop is expected to provide global best practices that would address the needs of our farmers and promote sustainable development. I have no doubt that justice would be done through the presentations and deliberations, considering the caliber of people gathered at the workshop today” Pheelangwah stated
In her vote of thanks, the Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate in the Ministry, Christy Oduh, expressed her appreciation to the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and participants for their commitment to safe water and sanitation.
She stressed that collaboration and dedication are essential for advancing water resources development and achieving sustainable goals in the sector.
