Editor
By Fatima Saka
Nigeria and the Arab Republic of Egypt has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in the realm of water resources management. The signing took place during the 7th Cairo Water Week in Cairo, Egypt.
Representing Nigeria was the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, while the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, signed on behalf of Egypt.
The MoU outlines a framework for joint efforts in harnessing, developing, and overseeing water resources for the mutual benefit of their respective populations.
Areas of collaboration encompass participatory irrigation development, the operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, aquatic weed control employing both mechanical and biological methods, flood management, drought forecasting, water harvesting technologies, and technical support in groundwater management. Furthermore, the MoU encompasses water resources governance and security, climate change adaptation, the impact of climate change on food security, and initiatives for freshwater restoration and protection.
In addition to these initiatives, the two nations will collaborate on water quality monitoring, with a particular emphasis on bio-monitoring, and enhancing integrated dam and reservoir management for optimal functionality.
Following the signing ceremony in Cairo, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, commended the MoU as a testament to Nigeria’s unwavering commitment, under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to bolster water infrastructure.
He emphasized that this partnership will advance irrigation agriculture, fortify food security, boost hydropower generation, and ensure the systematic maintenance of dams and reservoirs in Nigeria.
Prof. Utsev conveyed Nigeria’s steadfast dedication to collaborating closely with Egypt in deploying advanced expertise and technology for efficient water management that benefits the citizens of both nations.
Echoing these sentiments, Egyptian Minister Prof. Hani Sewilam expressed confidence that the MoU would reinforce the already substantial ties between Nigeria and Egypt, especially in the domain of water management.
He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with all African nations on water and climate change issues, particularly within the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), to address water challenges and climate change impacts across the continent.
