Participants vow sustainable reforms as 11th nat’l water conference kicks off in Yola
Stakeholders have vowed to critically and holistically examine the challenges and factors responsible for the inefficient use of water resources in order to address poverty, conflict, pollution and other scourges bedeviling the water sector ecosystem in Nigeria.
The stakeholders made the pledge during the opening of the 11th national water conference with the theme “Water and Society” organized by the National Water Resource Institute (NWRI) in collaboration with Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA) which kicked off in Yola on Tuesday.
Despite having abundant water resources, Nigeria is facing a serious challenge in improving access to the important resource due to the rapidly increasing demand driven by high population growth, urbanization, and rising living standards resulting from economic growth.
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This demand surge is causing water shortages in both urban and rural areas, with competing water uses, lower levels of irrigation potential, degrading watersheds and water courses, fragmented and uncoordinated water resources development, poor data, and lack of cooperation on co-riparian use of international waters.
Inadequate catchment management and widespread pollution are also compounding the problem. Limited groundwater availability in areas underlain by crystalline rocks, coupled with heavy and uncontrolled groundwater exploitation in more productive sedimentary areas, is adding to the challenge. Poor watershed management, deteriorating water quality, drought, desertification, and increasing water scarcity are also inexorably increasing water scarcity and resulting in avoidable conflicts between individuals and communities.
Vowing to address the forgoing issues and ensure the preponderance of good laws and reforms to ensure optimal utilization of water resources for the benefit of mankind and environment, the MD of UBRBDA and his NWRI counterpart, Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed and Prof. Emmanuel Adahnu respectively said the goal of the conference is to ensure the total sanitization of the water economy in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the acting MD of UBRBDA who was represented by Alh. Abubakar Sulaiman said the reason for organizing the conference could not be overemphasized considering the relevance of water in shaping societies, cultures and economies.
“Throughout history, water has been a source of inspiration and a vital resource for agriculture, industry and energy production, climate change and unsustainable water management practices have posed significant threats to our water resources and has become a source of conflict in our societies.
“This conference provides a very good platform for experts, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders to share knowledge, insights and best practices on how we can address the complex challenges related to water and society. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, we aim to develop innovative solutions and strategies that will promote sustainable water management, ensure equitable access to water resources and safeguard the integrity of our ecosystems,” he said.
Also re-echoing similar sentiments, the representative of MD of NWRI, Eng. AK Ndahi said the conference has brought on board seasoned administrators, experts, policy makers and technocrats in the water sector to brainstorm and bring viable and lasting solutions to address the quagmire that has become the lot of the most important sector.
He noted that through knowledge sharing, experience exchange and cross fertilization of ideas, the challenges bedeviling the sector will be identified and resolved.
Ndahi thanked Adamawa State government and the UBRBDA for hosting the event expressing optimism that the conference will yield desirable outcomes.
While commending the organizers of the conference for their wisdom and timely intervention in view of the deluge of challenges facing the water economy, the minister of water resources and sanitation, Eng. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utse said the benefit of the conference could not be overlooked in view of the important role water plays in balancing the ecosystem.
The minister who was represented by the the permanent secretary of the ministry Mr. Richard Pheelangwah noted that in water lies a huge paradox because despite occupying 70 percent of the earth, it is one of the scarcest resource in the globe.
He also charged stakeholders to task themselves and bring about positive reforms that will address identified challenges facing the sector. He noted that lack of good water administration has led to inequalities, conflicts, poverty and other dire consequences to the globe.
Pheelangwah also charge the participants to evolve innovations and technology in addressing the water sector challenges.
In his address, the chairman house of representatives committee on Water and sanitation, Hon. Sada Soli noted that there is more than ever, a compelling need to manage, generate and distribute portable water in order to ensure balance and sanity between individuals and communities.
He noted that there is a compelling need to also address the challenges in the water sector to ensure peace and harmony between communities in line with the water for peace mantra being championed by the united nations.
Soli added that failure to manage water resources effectively has resulted in local and even international conflicts between nations adding that the need to ensure the evolution of viable laws and reforms to rejuvenate the sector could not be overemphasized.
Also speaking representatives of Lamido of Adamawa Alh Muhammad Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha and Adamawa State commissioner of water resources and sanitation, Audu Ayuba Tanko and Dan Lawan Adamawa, Sadiq Daware and Mohammed Ibrahim all applauded the wisdom behind the convention of the conference.
They charged the participants to deliberate on climate change with attendant consequences, like flood and drought and ensure the preservation, and management water for the good of all creations.
During the three day events, erudite scholars, experts and administrators are expected to share knowledge and experiences in order to address the challenges bedeviling the sector.
