By Fatima Saka
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy have pledged to collaborate in enhancing food production in Nigeria.
The strategic partnership aims to leverage the country’s vast water resources to strengthen the agricultural sector and promote sustainable food security.
This commitment was underscored on Thursday in Abuja when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE.
Strengthening Inter-Ministerial Cooperation
During the high-level meeting, both ministers emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in managing water resources, conserving marine ecosystems, and advancing Nigeria’s blue economy. Prof. Utsev highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that it aligns with resolutions from the recent National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, which emphasized the critical role of both ministries in ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s water bodies.
Reaffirming his ministry’s commitment, Prof. Utsev stressed that sustainable water and sanitation services are fundamental to public health, food security, job creation, and economic growth. He outlined key initiatives under the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, including:
Clean and reliable water supply
Irrigation system development and management
Hydropower generation
Fisheries development
Flood control
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These efforts, he noted, are essential for ensuring food security and economic resilience. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership in advancing Nigeria’s food security agenda. To drive the collaboration forward, he announced the formation of a joint committee to develop a structured framework guiding the partnership.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy Potential
In his remarks, Minister Oyetola emphasized the vast, untapped potential of Nigeria’s water bodies in boosting fisheries, food security, and economic growth. He noted that stronger cooperation between both ministries would significantly enhance fish production and optimize marine resources for national development.
Oyetola also underscored the crucial role of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in ensuring sustainable water management, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and pollution prevention. He called for greater synergy to fully unlock Nigeria’s blue economy potential.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized that effective water resource management is key to improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth in coastal communities.
The meeting was attended by: Mr. Olufemi Michael Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Directors and senior officials from both ministries
The collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing food security, optimizing Nigeria’s water resources, and driving sustainable economic development.
