The Federal Government has announced decisive measures aimed at preserving this vital water source. The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, revealed the government’s initiatives during the Water Summit and Exhibition held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Among the significant steps highlighted by the Minister is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lake Chad Basin Commission and a Chinese company. This MoU pertains to the proposed Inter Basin Water Transfer Project from the Congo Basin into Lake Chad, with a substantial commitment of 1.5 million euros from the Italian government earmarked for finalizing the feasibility study of this ambitious project.
Additionally, the Federal Government has already initiated and implemented the Hawal inter-basin water transfer project. This endeavor aims to bolster water inflow to the Lake Chad Basin, particularly by augmenting raw water supply to the Alau Dam in Maiduguri. The next phase of this project seeks to revitalize the South Chad Irrigation Scheme, covering an extensive area of sixty thousand hectares, which had fallen into disuse due to the continuous drying up of Lake Chad over the years.
Professor Utsev underscored the ministry’s commitment to enhancing access to safe and sufficient water resources for citizens. Key initiatives in this regard include the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), and the Sustainable Urban-Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) program. These initiatives aim to improve water supply in both rural and urban areas, alongside enhancing sanitation in public spaces.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its ongoing support in addressing water challenges within the country. He hailed the Water Summit as a timely platform for critical stakeholders in the water sector to exchange insights on climate-related challenges to water resources and sustainable technological solutions.
During the event, Mr. Vinay Vutukuruv, representing the World Bank, announced a substantial intervention of over seven hundred thousand US dollars to expand access to water supply and sanitation in Nigeria, further reinforcing the collaborative efforts in safeguarding water resources.
In a symbolic gesture of Nigeria’s progress in innovation, the Minister inspected and test-drove a locally manufactured electronic car showcased at the exhibition.
Terhemen Oraduen, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity and ensuring the sustainable management of Nigeria’s water resources.