ABUJA: The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged collaborative efforts to harness water resources for food security and poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Utsev made the call at the Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop on the National Action Plan for the newly developed flagship programmes on Thursday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programmes discussed at the workshop include the River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA), the Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO), and the Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme (PEIRPRO). Utsev emphasized the importance of tackling the challenges facing the nation through food security, highlighting that harnessing Nigeria’s abundant water resources can boost food security, create jobs, and reduce poverty. He also pointed out that President Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda underscores food security and poverty eradication as priorities that need to be translated into impactful actions.
He n
oted that these initiatives were conceived through the ministry’s Department of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate to transform Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs. The RB-SPA aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote inclusive economic growth, and alleviate poverty in river basin areas, while WEIRPRO and PEIRPRO focus on expanding irrigated agriculture to boost yields and livelihoods.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, highlighted the global importance of enhancing water resources to support farmers and promote sustainable development. He expressed optimism that the presentations would address key challenges and opportunities in water resources management.
An expert in the water sector and lead paper presenter, Mr. John Ochigbo, attributed the current economic crisis to poor water management and called for innovative technologies in the sector. Mrs. Christy Oduh, Director of River Basin Operations and In
spectorate, emphasized that collaboration and dedication are crucial for advancing water resources development.
The workshop included presentations by water resources experts, such as Benson Ajisegiri and Elijah Aderibigbe, focusing on irrigation expansion and the revitalisation of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene sector. Participants included Managing Directors of River Basin Development Authorities, government agencies, CSOs, and private sector representatives, who worked towards developing a concrete action plan to implement the flagship programmes and harness water resources for food security and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.