To increase food production in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy have pledged to synergize their efforts.
This strategic collaboration is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensure sustainable food production by leveraging the country’s vast water resources.
The two ministries made the commitment when the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, in Abuja on Thursday.
During the high-level meeting, both Ministers emphasized the importance of Inter-Ministerial partnerships in enhancing water resource management, marine conservation, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Prof. Utsev, in a statement by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director, Information and Public Relations, highlighted the significance of the partnership, coming shortly after the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, which underscored the critical role of both Ministries in ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s water bodies.
Reaffirming his Ministry’s commitment to its mandate, Prof. Utsev emphasized that sustainable water and sanitation services are essential for public health, food security, job creation, and economic growth.
He stressed the strategic role of various departments within the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, which oversee initiatives such as the provision of clean and reliable water supply, development and management of irrigation systems, Hydropower generation, fisheries development and Flood control.
These efforts, the Minister said, are crucial to ensuring food security and economic resilience.
Prof. Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership in advancing the food security agenda.
He further disclosed that a joint Committee would be established by both Ministries to develop a working document with a clear template to guide this collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola emphasized the untapped potential of Nigeria’s water bodies for fisheries, food security, and economic growth.
He pointed out that fish production in Nigeria will be enhanced by stronger collaboration between both Ministries.
Oyetola said the crucial role of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in ensuring sustainable water management, which is essential for healthy aquatic ecosystems and pollution prevention. He called for greater cooperation to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy for National Development.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the importance of collaboration in optimizing Nigeria’s coastal and inland waters.
He highlighted that sustainable water resource management would enhance livelihoods and foster economic development within coastal communities.
The meeting was also attended by Mr.Olufemi Michael Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Directors from both ministries and Senior officials from both ministries