Minister Raises Alarm over Attempt to Sabotage Water Bill
Following the misconception of the proposed National Water Resources Bill at the National Assembly by some persons or group of persons, the Federal Ministry of water Resources through its Press and Public Relations unit, organized a Media Parley for a debriefing on the need to know the provisions of the bill and it’s benefit to the citizenry, the water sector and the nation at large.
The urgency of the answer to certain complaints, questions and accusations about the water sector makes it pertinent that the bill be passed at the National Assembly as the provisions will engender efficiency, effectiveness and bring about complete reform in the water sector.
Speaking during the event which was held in Abuja on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu, FNSE, FAEng said that it is highly unpatriotic and disservice to the country that anyone should sabotage the effort being put in place for the actualization of the National Water Resources bill which is meant to improve the sustainability and management of the water Resources of the country.
He said that the bill, having generated controversies over the years has been reviewed by many water experts and highly skilled legal professionals. Some of the innovations captured in the review includes the institutionalization of independent body to help reposition and regulate the water sector.
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The Minister, noting that the propaganda will not decide if the bill be passed or not, reiterated that the need to stay committed and focused is pertinent as the legislators are knowledgeable enough to take a decision which will benefit Nigerians. He said, ” they are our representatives and I am confident that they will represent us well”.
The Hon.Minister urged the media to make frantic effort in being acquainted with the National Water Resources bill in order not to be misguided or mislead by those who are out to undermine the truth.
He asked, ” Does it mean that there is nothing good about the bill? The bill is not about land grab, RUGA or Fulani herdsmen.
” The bill has answers to some of the questions on the governance of water resources. We must not be made a laughing stock at the international level. Let common sense prevail”.
Engr. Benson Ajesegiri, a water expert and retired Director of Water Supply and PPP in FMWR disclosed that the Bill will bring peace and development to the people. We need the law for peaceful co-existence.
Bar. Tanwa Koya who is the Legal consultant for NWB 2022 and highly experienced in the Water Sector admonished that we look at the bill from the perspective of what we tend to achieve as a nation
She said that the bill provided an institutional framework for the effective governance of the Water Sector.
Other professionals who spoke include Prof O.Jimoh of FUT Minna, Engr Bashir Magashi the Executive Director of Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission.
Mrs. Kenechukwu Offie
Director (Press and Public Relations)
July 19, 2022
