Abuja: The Federal Government, UNESCO and other partners have committed towards supporting groundwater management for water security. The commitment came at a two-day validation and capacity building workshop organised by UNESCO.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, which held in Abuja, was in collaboration with the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) and the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management (RC-IRBM). The workshop focused on the sub-project ‘Improving Groundwater Governance towards Achieving Sustainable Water Security for Human Settlements in Nigeria.’ This initiative is part of the UNESCO Korean Fund-in-Trust (K-FIT) funded project titled ‘Water Security for Human Settlements in Developing Countries under Climate Change.’
The project aims at improving knowledge-based management and governance of groundwater resources to support Nigeria in achieving sustainable water security for human settlements and to build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the need for creativity, new scientific knowledge, discoveries, and innovation in sustainable water solutions at various levels. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Richard Pheelangwah, Utsev stated that the workshop would enhance the capacity of groundwater experts using tools developed by UNESCO.
Mr. Albert Mendy, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, highlighted the crucial role groundwater plays as a natural resource in supporting ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods, and the wellbeing of human communities. Represented by Dr. Enang Moma, Head of Science Sector, Mendy pointed out that the UN World Water Development report for 2022 revealed that groundwater constitutes 99 per cent of the world’s liquid freshwater.
Dr. Idowu Lateef, Secretary-General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NatCom-UNESCO), stressed the importance of effective water governance that recognizes the value of aquifer systems for achieving sustainable fresh water provision. Represented by Ms. Frances Ezejiofor, an official of the organization, he noted that about 40 per cent of water for irrigated agriculture and one-third of water required for industry derive from groundwater resources.
The project began implementation in the last quarter of 2023, setting Nigeria on the path of achieving sustainable water security and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal number six, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.