By Adesewa George
The Federal Government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in water supply, sanitation and irrigated agriculture to enhance food security and sustainable development.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja when the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem AlShamsi, paid him a working visit.
Utsev said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had prioritised agriculture and water supply as critical sectors for achieving food security, expanding access to safe water and creating employment opportunities.
According to him, Nigeria remains committed to deepening collaboration with the UAE in water resources development, sanitation and irrigation systems.
He said the ministry would continue to work closely with the UAE to facilitate the exchange of technical expertise, explore investment opportunities and strengthen institutional cooperation.
The minister added that such collaboration would advance sustainable water management and improve agricultural productivity in the country.
Speaking, AlShamsi said the visit was aimed at strengthening partnership with Nigeria on the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative and exploring opportunities for collaboration on ongoing water and energy projects.
He invited the minister to attend the forthcoming Water Forum scheduled for December and to be jointly hosted by the UAE and Senegal.
According to him, the forum will provide a platform for global leaders and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and best practices on improving access to water and sanitation services, particularly in underserved communities.
The ambassador commended President Tinubu for strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UAE, noting that improved cooperation had boosted trade between both countries.
He said the UAE had become Nigeria’s leading Arab trading partner, accounting for about 47 per cent of Nigeria’s trade with Arab nations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Emanso Umobong, and some technical directors.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in sustainable water management, irrigation development and shared prosperity between the two countries. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
