The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, emphasized the federal government’s commitment to addressing the accessibility gap to clean water across Nigeria.
He expressed regret that despite the country’s abundant water resources, estimated at 156 billion cubic meters, these resources have not been adequately harnessed for the overall benefit of the people.
Speaking at the 13th Annual Conference of the Nigeria Association of Hydrological Sciences ,NAHS, at the University of Lagos, Akoka, the minister, represented by Femi Odumosu, the Managing Director of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, highlighted the global water shortage and urged the association to continue researching water resources to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and its practical application for the people.
Prof Utsev noted that climate change, particularly in the form of drought, has significantly impacted the availability of water for human consumption and various purposes.
He stressed the critical role of water in sustaining life, livelihoods, and economic activities, emphasizing that meaningful development globally is impossible without adequate water resources.
The minister advocated for timely knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers to formulate policies and find solutions that ensure effective water resources management.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Mrs Folasade Ogunsola, echoed the importance of the conference in addressing current challenges related to water resources.
Guest speaker Mrs Funke Adepoju, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, highlighted the indispensable nature of water in society and outlined challenges such as water scarcity, lack of clean water, flooding, pollution, and the vulnerability of coastal areas to rising water levels. She called for responsible management and equitable distribution of water to address these challenges.
NAHS President, Prof David Jimoh, emphasized that the association, as a multidisciplinary organization, is focused on advancing knowledge in hydrology and water resources.
He acknowledged the multifaceted challenges in water provision, including technical, managerial, and policy issues, and expressed the forum’s commitment to generating workable solutions.
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