FMWR, A’Ibom govt sets to address water, sanitation, food security issues in Nigeria
By: Princess Don, Uyo.
In a continued effort to tackle critical national issues, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside the Akwa Ibom State Government, reaffirmed their commitment to addressing water, sanitation, and food security challenges in Nigeria.
This was disclosed during the opening of the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, which took place yesterday at Ibom Hall in Uyo, the State capital.
Themed “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change,” the meeting brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the growing concerns of water and food security, particularly in light of the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.
During his opening address, Mr. Richard Pheelagwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, underscored the significant role that water, sanitation, and food security play in shaping public health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
“This meeting provides a crucial platform to explore solutions to these challenges. The urgency to act is greater than ever, particularly with climate change affecting all sectors of society,” Pheelagwah said.
Barr. Emma Udonsek, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, further emphasized the state government’s determination to find sustainable solutions to these challenges.
She mentioned the initiatives being implemented under Governor Pastor Umoh Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which aims to provide access to clean water, improve sanitation, and strengthen the state’s climate resilience.
“In Akwa Ibom, we are focusing on sustainable water management systems, such as solar-powered boreholes and water treatment plants. We are also combating climate change through projects like the transformation of erosion sites into green spaces, including the ARISE PARK initiative,” Udonsek explained.
The meeting is expected to yield practical recommendations from technical committees, focusing on enhancing the nation’s water infrastructure, sanitation systems, and food security frameworks, all while mitigating the challenges of climate change.
Dr. Wilfried Hundertmark, World Bank Consultant, also contributed to the discussions, providing insights into the National Water Security Strategic Framework for Nigeria.
He emphasized the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting water and food security initiatives across the country and outlined key strategies for enhancing water governance and management.
“One of the major priorities is the transformation of River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) into multi-disciplinary organizations capable of handling complex water management tasks such as dam construction, irrigation, and flood protection,” Hundertmark noted.
He also discussed the importance of strengthening governance structures, advocating for a Board of Governors at the federal, state, and local levels to provide oversight and policy direction and ensure stakeholder participation.
Additionally, Hundertmark stressed the need to improve the operational efficiency of these agencies by employing performance-based management systems.
The ongoing deliberations at the meeting are expected to result in concrete action plans that address the water, sanitation, and food security needs of the nation, ultimately enhancing Nigeria’s resilience to the challenges posed by climate change.
