By Linus Aleke
The Federal Government (FG), and the United Nations System in Nigeria, have called for more investment in the water resources sector to combat water related diseases and guarantee food security in the country.
This is even as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), presented the United Nations 2023 World Water Development Report (WWDR).
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe made this call in Abuja, on Wednesday, during a joint press conference with the United Nations System in Nigeria.
He said that the press briefing is part of its collaborative effort to mark the World Water Day, 2023.
Represented by Director, Monitoring & Evaluation, Ms. Agnes Nkechi Aneke, said, the World Water Day is designed to draw global attention, annually, to the plight of the poor and vulnerable who do not have access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
The Perm Sec added that the day is also designed to seek innovative ways to improve supply of clean waters to the vulnerable population.
“It is aimed at advocating for government and non state actors’ commitment in ensuring adequate investment in institutions, infrastructure, information, structure and innovations to realize the real benefits derivable from water and reduce risk associated with it,” Mr. Umakhihe said.
Jane Bevam, Chief WASH, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said, water is basic human rights, and “we must provide it”.
She reiterated UNs call to action for increase coverage of water in Nigeria.
The Chief WASH, said, it is estimated that 78 million children in Nigeria are suffering from poor water access at the moment and it is the children who suffer.
Nigeria, she said, is one of the 10 countries in sub Saharan Africa that carries the heaviest burden of childhood extreme diseases.
“We need to do more for the children of Nigeria, we owe it to them to really come together to invest more in water and do our best to reach everybody,” she noted.
Mr. Fred Kafeero, Representative of Food and Agriculture Organization in Nigeria and ECOWAS, in a goodwill message said, over 700 million people in the world face high and critical water stress and over 90 percent of natural disasters are water related.
Dr. Oluseyi Fabiyi, Natural Resources & Environment Specialist, FAO, who represented Mr. Fred Kafeero, noted that
an additional 35 per cent in water resources will be needed by 2050 to meet growing demand for food, fibre and feed.
He also said, agriculture – including forestry, fisheries and aquaculture – also plays a crucial role in the management of surface water, ground water recharge and even circulation of atmospheric water.
“The UN 2023 Water Conference, currently ongoing in New York plans to forge an international Community commitment to Water Action Agenda to protect one of humanity’s most critical resources,” he said.
