The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture research.
This initiative will be facilitated through a strategic partnership between the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) and the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom.
This was revealed in a press statement signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director, Information and Public Relations, on Monday.
Prof. Utsev highlighted the critical role of food production in job creation, economic growth, and national prosperity, emphasizing that no nation can thrive without prioritizing the well-being of its citizens.
He assured the delegation that the forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions would align with the Ministry’s mandate to address climate and water resource challenges effectively.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to Prof. Kevin Jones and his team for their visit, voicing optimism about a sustained partnership that will promote mutual growth and development.
In his remarks, Prof. Kevin Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Plymouth, outlined the scope of the proposed research. He stressed the need to address the complexities of climate change through region-specific strategies tailored to Nigeria’s environmental and socio-economic realities.
Prof. William Blake, Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute and a key contributor to the UNESCO International Sediment Initiative, underscored the importance of fostering collaboration among stakeholders. He emphasized that such synergy is essential for exchanging knowledge and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
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The Director-General of the National Water Resources Institute, Prof. E.A. Adanu, described the research as timely, particularly in tackling the adverse impacts of flooding on soil quality. He explained how flooding degrades soil structure and fertility, disrupts ecosystems, and reshapes river systems, further stressing the urgency of climate-smart agricultural solutions to mitigate these effects.
The courtesy visit also included delegates from the NWRI, Kaduna, such as Dr. O.O. Yaya and Dr. Martin Eduvie, along with directors from the Ministry.
When finalized, the MoU will represent a significant milestone in addressing climate change challenges, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing the well-being of Nigerians. This partnership is expected to contribute meaningfully to building resilience in the face of environmental and economic challenges posed by climate change.
