The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in water supply, sanitation, and irrigated agriculture, with a strong focus on enhancing food security and sustainable development.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, , disclosed this during a working visit by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, , and the Head of Political and Economic Affairs at the UAE Embassy, Saif Bin Thani, to his office in Abuja.
Utsev highlighted that the administration of has prioritised agriculture and water resource development as key drivers of national food security, job creation, and inclusive economic growth. He stressed that expanding irrigation systems remains central to increasing agricultural productivity across the country.
The Minister further assured that Nigeria would deepen collaboration with the UAE through technical exchanges, investment opportunities, and institutional partnerships aimed at improving sustainable water management and irrigation infrastructure.
In his remarks, Ambassador AlShamsi stated that the visit was aimed at advancing cooperation under the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative, with emphasis on delivering impactful water and energy projects. He also invited the Minister to a forthcoming global Water Forum scheduled for December, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, to promote knowledge-sharing on water and sanitation solutions.
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AlShamsi commended President Tinubu for strengthening bilateral relations, noting that the UAE has emerged as Nigeria’s leading Arab trading partner, accounting for about 47 per cent of Nigeria’s trade with Arab nations.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in irrigation development, sustainable water management, and economic growth, positioning the partnership as a key driver of Nigeria’s food security agenda.
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