Abuja: The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has partnered with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance the quality of irrigation water in the country. This collaboration was highlighted during the Technical Committee on Water Quality meeting, aimed at developing the Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the collaboration seeks to establish and implement rigorous irrigation water quality standards that adhere to global best practices. Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the ministry, emphasized the importance of this initiative for boosting agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development. She further mentioned that the partnership intends to improve water quality, support farmers, and protect ecosystems. Mrs. Oluniyi also noted the ministry’s efforts to raise awareness about water quality by discouraging detrimental practices like washing clot
hes in irrigation systems and open defecation, due to the necessity of ensuring quality water for agricultural purposes.
The ministry plans to hand over the project to SON while retaining a supervisory role. Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the ministry, highlighted the importance of validating irrigation standards to address key development challenges in Nigeria. Since 2022, the committee has been meticulously reviewing documents to develop irrigation water quality standards tailored to Nigeria’s agricultural needs. Ugoh also pointed out the necessity of addressing inadequate monitoring and evaluation and conducting regular reviews for sustainable progress.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, SON Director General, announced the release of two critical documents to advance national standardisation, represented by the Deputy Director of the Food and Agriculture Group, Mrs. Nene Obianwu. The documents, Principles and Procedures for the Development of the Nigerian National Standards (PPD
NNS) and the Nigerian National Standardisation Strategy (NNSS), provide guidelines aligned with international best practices. The NNSS outlines a four-year plan to address Nigeria’s environmental and socio-economic priorities. Okeke emphasized the need for forming a National Technical Committee to implement these standards and urged for effective discussions to finalize the draft.
He stressed that water is essential for agriculture, directly affecting crop yield, soil health, and food security. With challenges like climate change and population growth, improving water management, especially in irrigation, is vital. Developing a Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality is crucial to protect crops from harmful contaminants that pose threats to public health and economic growth. Okeke noted that these efforts align with Nigeria’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encouraged participants to contribute their expertise in developing a sustainable irrigation water safety framewor
k. He also acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s support in advancing the project.
The Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality outlines the quality requirements, classification, and test methods for irrigation water in Nigeria and applies to any water used for irrigation purposes, irrespective of its source.