The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced plans to deepen collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
This development was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed FAO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Gudain Hussein, to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, in Abuja.
The visit focused on expanding food production through improved irrigation, water management, and strategic agricultural investments.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Publicity, Funmi Imuetinyan, both parties discussed strengthening existing partnerships to attract greater public and private sector involvement in the agriculture sector, especially in food production and infrastructure development.
Professor Utsev emphasised the federal government’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity, referencing the administration’s earlier declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
He expressed optimism about working more closely with development partners like FAO through the Ministry’s Irrigation and Drainage Department.
While outlining the purpose of his visit, Dr Hussein briefed the Minister on the upcoming FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, scheduled to be held in Abuja from 16 to 18 September 2025.
Themed “Investment in Irrigation and Water Resources”, the event seeksto mobilise investment and drive collaborative planning in key areas such as irrigation, sustainable water use, and agricultural innovation.
Highlighting the importance of the Ministry’s role, the FAO representative noted that agriculture accounts for nearly 90% of water use in Nigeria.
He stressed the need for enhanced policy direction and technical input from the Ministry to ensure long-term sustainability in water and food systems.
As part of the collaboration framework, Dr Hussein proposed the establishment of a joint technical committee between FAO and the Ministry.
The committee would focus on shaping a roadmap for future cooperation across critical sectors, including crop and livestock production, environmental sustainability, and food system resilience.
The meeting signals a broader alignment between national and international stakeholders in tackling food security challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural growth in Nigeria.
Source: AgroNigeria
Image Credit: Vanguard
