National Water Bill If Passed,Will solve Nigeria’s Water Crisis-Minister

National Water Bill If Passed,Will solve Nigeria’s Water Crisis-Minister 

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu has re-assured Nigerians that the National Water Resources Bill awaiting passage in the Senate will be of immense benefit to all Nigerians when it is finally passed by the Senate and assented to by Mr. President.

Engr. Adamu stated this on Tuesday 26^th June, 2018 during the National Consultative Conference on Water use Regulations and Monitoring with the theme: “Regulating Water Resources for Sustainable Development in Nigeria” organized by Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission in Abuja.

He stated that the Bill when signed into law will regulate the provision for the allocation and re-allocation of Federal waters in such a manner as to provide an adequate quantity and quality of water for the needs of the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in present and future.

Also, he said that the National Water Resources Bill which encompasses the Integrated Water Resources Management Commission regulations will protect, conserve and control water resources for equitable and sustainable social and economic development and maintain environmental integrity.

Speaking further, he said that the regulations will ensure allocation, supply and distribution of water resources for all users to promote equitable, sustainable and sufficient best practices and conducts.

The Minister therefore called for patience from the general public saying that the Senate has set up a committee to look at the bill once again before presenting it for passage. “I want to sincerely thank the Chairman and members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Water Resources for their interest and enthusiasm in the National Water Bill currently before the National Assembly”.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Director, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Mr. Reuben Habu said that Water Resources Management affect everyone and if we do not plan and have a synergy and collaborate in the most effective way, then we will bear the consequences and Nigeria will  lose tremendously. This is because water cuts across different sectors of the economy such as agriculture, environment, health, transportation, solid minerals, tourism, national security etc.

Mr. Habu explained that the conference is aimed at creating a platform where experiences and grey areas will be discussed in order to have a common view to the operations and activities as agencies of the same government. “It is my hope that we discuss in the most objective manner that will lead to conclusions agreeable to every agency here present”

Kenechukwu Offie