BY ANTHONY OCHELA, ABUJA
Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Sanitation, and Marine and Blue Economy have pledged to synergise efforts to enhance food production.
This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure sustainable food production by leveraging the country’s vast water resources.
A statement issued yesterday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs Funmi Imuetinyan, said this commitment was at the forefront of discussions yesterday when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, paid a courtesy visit on the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, in Abuja.
During the high-level meeting, both ministers emphasised the importance of inter-ministerial partnerships in enhancing water resource management, marine conservation and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Professor Utsev highlighted the significance of the partnership, coming shortly after the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation underscored the critical role of both ministries in ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s water bodies.
Reaffirming his ministry’s commitment to its mandate, Utsev emphasised that sustainable water and sanitation services are essential for public health, food security, job creation and economic growth.
He stressed the strategic role of various departments within the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, which oversee initiatives such as the provision of clean and reliable water supply, development and management of irrigation systems, hydropower generation, fisheries development and flood control.
He noted that these efforts are crucial in ensuring food security and economic resilience.
Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in advancing the food security agenda.
He disclosed that a joint committee would be established by both ninistries to develop a working document with a clear template to guide this collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.
In his remarks, Oyetola emphasised the untapped potentials of Nigeria’s water bodies for fisheries, food security and economic growth.
He also pointed out that fish production will be enhanced by stronger collaboration between both ministries.
Oyetola stressed the crucial role of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in ensuring sustainable water management, which is essential for healthy aquatic ecosystems and pollution prevention.
He called for greater cooperation to unlock the full potentials of the blue economy for national development.
