Experts at the 12th National Water Conference in Kaduna have sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening water crises.
They warned that the nation’s food and energy security is at risk without urgent investment in skilled water management professionals.
Dr. Abduljalal Dan Baba, Director-General of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), said erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, and degraded watersheds are already undermining agricultural output and hydropower generation. “Without a well-trained workforce to manage our water resources, the impacts on food production and energy supply will be catastrophic,” he said.
Representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Jamilu Abu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Federal Ministry, assured that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is prioritizing access to safe and reliable water nationwide. “The President is doing everything possible to give the best to Nigeria,” he said.
Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, urged NWRI to reduce dependency on government funding by building strategic partnerships, noting that the institute holds immense potential to drive innovation in Nigeria’s water sector.
Dr. Dan Baba highlighted the importance of international collaboration, citing recent MOUs with the Hungarian University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, aimed at transferring knowledge and implementing climate-responsive water management strategies across the country.
The conference, themed “Water for Climate Action, Food and Energy Security,” emphasizes the interconnection between water, agriculture, and energy.
Some Experts called for investment in hydrological modeling, climate-smart irrigation, and early warning systems to mitigate the looming crises.
Over three days, participants will engage in technical sessions, exhibitions, and workshops to build capacity, exchange ideas, and develop actionable strategies for Nigeria’s water challenges.
NWRI officials concluded that urgent investment in education, workforce training, and innovative water technologies is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s food, energy, and economic future.
Gambo Santos Sanga.
