The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, has emphasized the critical role of water, sanitation, and food security in shaping Nigeria’s national development agenda.
Speaking on Monday, January 27, 2015 at the opening ceremony of the National Technical Committee Meeting on Water Resources and Sanitation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he highlighted the direct impact of these sectors on public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Pheelangwah noted that the theme of this year’s Council meeting, “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change,” underscores the urgency of addressing the adverse impacts of flooding, drought, contaminated water supplies, and degraded landscapes posed by Climate Change all of which threaten food security and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services.
He pointed out that the National Technical Committee forum of the Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation serves as a platform for addressing challenges and advancing mandates in these critical sectors, especially in the context of climate change.
He also recalled that the State of Emergency on Food Security, declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizes the need for synergy between ministries and agencies to ensure sustainable irrigation and farmland cultivation across the country.
He maintained that under the leadership of Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated several projects to integrate climate considerations into water management.
Mr. Pheelangwah urged the National Technical Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, comprising experts from across the country, to endeavour to prepare comprehensive memoranda capable of addressing contemporary issues in the water sector.
He added that the success of the 31st National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation depends on the stakeholders’ commitment to producing actionable solutions that align with the theme and national development goals.
He acknowledged the growing challenges posed by climate change to access clean water and nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable populations, and emphasized the importance of sustainable development and continuous engagement among stakeholders.
Declaring the session open, Barr. Mrs. Emma Udonsek, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, aligned the meeting’s theme with the Akwa Ibom ARISE Agenda.
She called on participants to adopt innovative strategies to address the dual challenges of climate change and sustainable water and food security.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the representative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, development, Mr. Paul Opuama, the Director of Fisheries Technology and Support Services of the Ministry, representative of World Bank, Engr. Chinedu and other water sector stakeholders.
Today’s Technical Committee session is a prelude to the 31st National Council meeting on Thursday, January 30 and it aims to review memoranda and shape actionable policies expected to generate strategic solutions that will enhance Nigeria’s water and sanitation sector which will ultimately foster economic growth and improve public health resilience.
Representatives from states, the Federal Capital Territory, and other key stakeholders were present at the National Technical Committee meeting.
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
27 January, 2025
