SYNERGY IS VITAL FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES – Minister

The Hon. Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu FNSE, FAEng have said that critical sectors provide challenges and opportunities for all aspects of national growth and development as mismanagement of one sector can affect the viability of other sectors and compromise the livelihood of people and ecosystem.
He said this, via the Permanent Secretary, ably represented by the Director, Water Quality and Sanitation,Mr. Emmanuel Awe during the 3-Day Nexus Intersectoral  policy National Dialogue workshop on “WATER -ENERGY-FOOD SECURITY” held in Abuja Nigeria on 2- 4 August, 2022.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman sald that the Nexus approach which draws the interlink between Water, Energy, Food Security and Environment has a complex interrelationship  and due to its  risks and opportunities, there is need to integrate them for positive impact in our socio -economic development and management of our resources.

He regretted that increasing activities due to urbanization, agriculture and industraliztion has resulted in the pollution of fresh water with serious adverse effects on health in general,. Stressing on the need for a better understanding of the Nexus system, the Minisrer said,” the promotion and implementation of actions that go beyond a single sector is essential, combined with good management and decisions”.

Expressing gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Niger Basin Authority, Technical Partners and Financial Partners led by GIZ &EU and Experts, he admonished all participants to pay due attention to deliberations as the proceeds will be used effectively and efficiently implement NBA projects and programs through the institutionalization of the Nexus strategy.

In  her welcome address, the Director, Planning and Technical Support, Mrs Alice Ojowu said that the aim of the workshop is to strengthen the intersectoral capacity for proper implementation of activities that will lead to the improvement of the people from the Basins.
The Nexus is a global phenomenon and Nigeria will not be left out as it is an avenue for proper management of the available resources, putting in focus all the water management principles.

Earlier, the Regional Coordinator of the Nexus  GiZ &EU, Robert Kronefield and the Representative of the Niger Basin Authority, Bamidele W.Olatunji both stressed that the workshop will strengthen the capacity of the National Stakeholders in planning, policy development and implementation of the NEXUS approach.

Recall that the first phase of the Niger Basin Authority and German Cooperation (NBA-GIZ) NEXUS Project (2016-2020l placed strong emphasis on Regional integration of the NEXUS approach and Capacity building while the second phase program (2020-2023) aims to be operational and implemented at both Regional and National Levels.

The Workshop  is being organized in collaboration with the Niger Basin Authority and GiZ .

Mrs. Kenechukwu Offie
Director, Press and Public Relations
FMWR.
2/8/2022