Editor
THE Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has launched a two-day Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop to advance the National Action Plan for Harnessing Water Resources for Food Security and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria.
The workshop, which commenced on Thursday, November 21, in Nasarawa State, aims to develop a comprehensive framework for implementing three flagship programs addressing food security challenges and poverty reduction nationwide.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasized the vital role of water resources in enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and driving socio-economic development.
He reiterated the alignment of the workshop with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, which prioritizes food security and poverty eradication.
Prof. Utsev urged stakeholders to translate these priorities into actionable strategies, outlining three flagship programs targeting the effective use of water resources for agricultural and economic development: “Rivers basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA): Focused on increasing agricultural productivity, fostering inclusive growth, and improving market access within river basin areas.
“Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO): Aimed at boosting crop yields and supporting livelihoods through expanded irrigated agriculture.”
3. Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme (PEIRPRO): Designed to leverage innovative technologies and promote cross-sector collaboration for sustainable water resource management.
“These programs represent a paradigm shift in managing our water resources, unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s river basin systems to drive agricultural and economic transformation,” Prof. Utsev said.
Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of water resources in combating hunger, poverty, and water scarcity. He expressed optimism that the workshop would highlight global best practices and innovative solutions to support farmers and advance sustainable development.
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Engr. Christy Oduh, FNSE, Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, commended the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and all participants for their commitment to advancing water resource development and ensuring access to safe water and sanitation. She underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving the sector’s sustainable goals.
