The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu has said critical sectors provide challenges and opportunities for all aspects of national growth and development, saying mismanagement of one sector can affect the viability of other sectors and compromise the livelihood of people and ecosystem.
The minister spoke through the Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director, Water Quality and Sanitation, Mr. Emmanuel Awe at a 3-Day Nexus Intersectoral policy National Dialogue workshop on “WATER -ENERGY-FOOD SECURITY” held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Adamu sald that the Nexus approach which draws the interlink between Water, Energy, Food Security and Environment has a complex interrelationship, adding that due to its risks and opportunities, there is need to integrate them for positive impact in our socio -economic development and management of our resources.
He regretted that increasing activities due to urbanization, agriculture and industraliztion has resulted in the pollution of fresh water with serious adverse effects on health in general.
He stressed on the need for a better understanding of the Nexus system, adding “the promotion and implementation of actions that go beyond a single sector is essential, combined with good management and decisions”.
Expressing gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Niger Basin Authority, Technical Partners and Financial Partners led by GIZ & EU and Experts, he admonished all participants to pay due attention to deliberations as the proceeds will be used effectively and efficiently to implement NBA projects and programs through the institutionalization of the Nexus strategy.
Earlier, the Regional Coordinator of the Nexus GIZ & EU, Robert Kronefield and the Representative of the Niger Basin Authority, Bamidele W.Olatunji both stressed that the workshop will strengthen the capacity of the National Stakeholders in planning, policy development and implementation of the NEXUS approach.
Recall that the first phase of the Niger Basin Authority and German Cooperation (NBA-GIZ) NEXUS Project (2016-2020) placed strong emphasis on Regional integration of the NEXUS approach and Capacity building while the second phase program (2020-2023) aim to be operational and implemented at both Regional and National Levels.
The Workshop is being organized in collaboration with the Niger Basin Authority and GIZ .
