NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Environment

NIHSA seeks NBA’s support for stronger hydrological management

56 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has requested the support of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) to strengthen hydrological activities in Nigeria and ensure the effective management of the Niger River Basin.

NIHSA Director General, Umar Mohammed, made this appeal in a statement during his visit to the NBA in Niamey, Niger Republic.

He emphasised the need for improved equipment and facilities for hydrological and hydrogeological monitoring in Nigeria’s portion of the Basin.

He stressed the importance of functional monitoring installations to provide reliable data for basin planning, management, and development, highlighting Nigeria’s position downstream of the Niger River.

Mohammed also acknowledged the NBA’s interventions, which have strengthened NIHSA’s hydrological activities.

He called for continued support to further enhance the Agency’s capacity and expand satellite hydrology monitoring in Nigeria.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the NBA, Didier Zinzou, welcomed Mohammed and reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to the sustainable management and development of the Niger River Basin’s water resources.

He explained that the NBA, a regional basin organisation comprising nine member countries in West and Central Africa, oversees hydrological monitoring and infrastructure development within its member states.

Zinzou stressed that effective hydrological monitoring is essential to achieving the NBA’s Shared Vision and Water Charter, which guide development efforts in the Basin.

He reiterated the NBA’s ongoing support for hydrological activities in its member states, including Nigeria, in the collective interest of sustainable basin development.

Zinzou thanked Mohammed for his visit and assured him of the NBA’s commitment to improving hydrological monitoring across the Basin.

He emphasised that all Niger Basin development programmes depend on accurate and robust hydrological and hydrogeological data.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NBA is a regional cooperation body focused on developing the Niger Basin in areas such as water resources, agriculture, and energy. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

Isotu-Edeh receives Nigeria’s ‘Pillar of Environmental Health’ award

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By Akpan Glory

Dr Edwin Isotu-Edeh, the WHO National Consultant for Public Health and Environment, has been recognised with the prestigious ‘Pillar of Environmental Health’ award in Nigeria.

The award ceremony, presided over by President Bola Tinubu and represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, took place at the inaugural National Environmental Health Excellence Award (NEHEA) in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON).

Isotu-Edeh is an award-winning UN Global Environmental Health Expert, an Executive Career Mentor, a Keynote Speaker, and a transformational leader.

With over two decades of experience and impact, his work spans public health, environmental leadership, academia, youth enterprise development, and institutional system-building.

As the National Technical Officer leading the Public Health and Environment Programme for the WHO in Nigeria, he spearheads innovative, high-impact climate and environmentally sustainable initiatives to improve health outcomes.

In 2021, he coordinated the signing of Nigeria’s first Health Ministerial Commitment to building a sustainable and climate-resilient health system.

This commitment aligns with the Paris Agreement, the United Nations COP26 Health Programme, and Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan 2060.

Mr Raph Nnam, the Steering Chairman of Sustainable Education and Policy Archiving at the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group (NESUG), described the recognition as well-deserved.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the awardee is an exemplary champion and an impact-driven emerging leader in public health and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

Nnam noted that NESUG is the fastest-growing environmental sustainability think tank in Nigeria, mobilising environmental stewardship through a unified platform and a shared conversation.

He said the platform aims to connect over 650,000 experts in environmental health, sustainability, and related fields ahead of the Nigerian Environmental Summit 2025.

He praised Isotu-Edeh’s dedication to climate health and sustainability, noting Nigeria needs more visionary professionals like him.

Isotu-Edeh outlined Nigeria’s key environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, pollution, and poor waste management, stressing their impact on public health.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based interventions in driving meaningful change.

He expressed his appreciation to Dr Walter Molumbo, WHO Country Representative, for his outstanding leadership in promoting a healthier environment in Nigeria.

He also thanked EHCON and all those dedicated to addressing environmental determinants of health, acknowledging their collective efforts in tackling Nigeria’s environmental challenges.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the event celebrated achievements and reaffirmed commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and resilience.

“We celebrate individuals, organisations, and institutions that have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in promoting environmental health across the country,” he said.

He praised the president for advancing environmental health in Nigeria, citing renewed awareness and commitment to sustainability under his leadership.

“Our environment is the foundation upon which we build our communities, industries, and future aspirations.

“Ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is not just a responsibility but a duty we owe to ourselves and to generations yet unborn”.

Dr Yakubu Baba, EHCON Registrar, said the award honours individuals and organisations excelling in environmental health services across public and private sectors in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

President Bola Tinubu
Environment

Tinubu pledges stronger commitment to environmental protection

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By Felicia Imohimi

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to redouble his commitment to safeguarding the environment and championing policies that will ensure the health and well-being of the populace.

Tinubu made the commitment at the maiden edition of the National Environment Health Excellence Award (NEHEA), organised by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

“Together, we shall continue to push the boundaries of what is possible to improve our environment and public health. We will prioritise the people and the planet.

“The global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and emerging health risks demand urgent and sustained attention. We cannot afford complacency.

“We must embrace innovation, collaboration and investment in sustainable solutions to safeguard our environment and public health for future generations. The road ahead demands boldness”.

Tinubu noted that the government alone cannot address environmental challenges.

He stressed that it is a collective responsibility, ranging from farmers adopting climate-smart techniques to corporations investing in green technology.

According to him, environmental stewardship is not a burden but an opportunity to redefine progress.

“Let us remain steadfast in pursuing a healthier and more sustainable Nigeria.

“I charge you all to be the generation that bridges the gap between promise and action. Let us leave behind a Nigeria where forests breathe, rivers run clean, and children thrive under skies untainted by pollution”.

Tinubu stated that the award ceremony was not just a recognition of individual excellence but a testament to “our collective resolve to forge a Nigeria where clean air, safe water and sustainable practices are the birthright of every citizen”.

He commended EHCON for its unwavering dedication to improving the nation’s environmental health standards and practices.

“Your leadership in elevating environmental health standards, from policy innovation to community action, sets a laudable example for the nation”.

Describing environmental health professionals as the unsung architects of public health, he added that they are “the silent sentinels shielding the nation’s communities from preventable diseases, climate threats, and ecological decay.

“Your work is the bedrock for building a healthier Nigeria.

“Today is significant as a celebration of individual achievements and a testament to the collective strides we have made as a nation in strengthening environmental health governance”.

Tinubu described the award as a dual calling, compelling him to redouble his commitment to championing policies and prioritising people and the planet.

“We must embrace innovation, collaboration and investment in sustainable solutions to safeguard our environment and public health for future generations. The road ahead demands boldness”.

Dr Yakubu Baba, EHCON Registrar, said the award recognises individuals and organisations, both in the public and private sectors who have distinguished themselves in the delivery and support of environmental health services and practices in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president was awarded the title of Grand Patron of the National Environment and Public Health Association of Nigeria (NEPHAN) and “Life Fellow”of the Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON).

Also, WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Molumbo received the ‘Frontier of Environmental Health’ award, while Dr Edwin Isotu-Edeh, WHO National Consultant for Public Health and Environment, received the Distinguished Award of the ‘Pillar of Environmental Health’ in Nigeria.

NAN reports that the event also featured the unveiling of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations 2025 and the inauguration of the Premises-Based National Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Emission Monitoring Programme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

PASA urges African nations to prioritise sanitation, hygiene

131 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

Mr Kitch Bawa, the Executive Secretary, Pan-African Association of Sanitation Actors (PASA), has urged African governments to make sanitation and hygiene top priority.

Speaking to Africa Media Practitioners virtually on Saturday, Bawa outlined PASA’s ongoing initiatives in 25 countries to strengthen sanitation services.

He emphasised the need for better waste management systems across the continent.

He said “we are committed to improving sanitation infrastructure and advocating training of sanitation and health workers.”

He announced the upcoming launch of PASA One City, One Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) Initiative.

This, he said, would be introduced in Kampala, Uganda, during the Mayors and Local Authorities Forum at the African Water and Sanitation Association (AFWASA) Congress on Feb. 18.

Bawa expressed concern over the mismanagement of fecal sludge treatment plants in several African countries, warning that inadequate facilities posed serious health risks to individuals and communities.

He emphasised the need for climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

Addressing the issue of open defecation, he revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the severity of the problem.

He, however, reassured that PASA is actively working to combat the challenge.

He said ” our mission is to enhance public health and improve the quality of life in African communities. We call on the media to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene in Africa’s development.”

Dr Simeon Kenfack, the Director of Programmes at AFWASA, stressed the need for stronger sanitation policies and oversight.

He stated that AFWASA is collaborating with multiple countries to improve sanitation services, citing Senegal as a model example.

He further revealed that the organisation is mentoring five other nations to adopt Senegal’s successful sanitation strategies.

He noted that “to amplify its impact, AFWASA has committed to partnering with media practitioners to drive awareness and advocacy.”

Kenfack acknowledged media’s vital role in influencing public policy and behaviour.

He said “journalists are key allies in sanitation advocacy, and we are eager to collaborate with them to improve conditions across Africa.”

The director said sanitation is a critical public health issue that demands immediate and sustained action, reaffirming AFWASA’s commitment to make this a reality.

“We are dedicated to tackling this issue and ensuring improved sanitation across the continent,” he added.

A WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP), along with the UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water, reveals the poor state of sanitation in Africa.

A survey conducted across the 55 member states of the African Unionbetween 2000 and 2022 revealed that only 31 per cent of the population had access to safely managed sanitation, while just 28 per cent had access to basic hygiene in 2022.

Alarmingly, 779 million people lack basic sanitation, including approximately 208 million who still practise open defecation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Environment

Biosafety stakeholders honour late icon

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By Abigael Joshua

Environmental stakeholders met in Abuja on Thursday to honour the late Prof. Diran Makinde for strengthening biosafety frameworks in Africa.

Makinde, who was the former Head of the African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) died at the age of 70.

Dr Rufus Ebegba, Founder of the Rufus Ebegba Centre for Leadership and Environmental Sustainability (RECLES) said Makinde made immense contributions to the development of biosafety systems in Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the memorial lecture was organised by RECLES in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

“In recognition of him as one of Africa’s icons who was instrumental in the robust biosafety frameworks enjoyed in most countries on the continent today, this memorial lecture is being organised to honour him as a great friend.

“He served with passion for science, technology, and innovation as key drivers for economic growth and social development in Africa, in addition to entrenching holistic biosafety on the continent.

“Prior to his work in biosafety, the ‘African Biosafety Model Law’ was adopted by some African Union member states, leading to stiff regulatory systems that were not workable.

“His intervention allowed for freedom to innovate, develop, and regulate advanced biotechnology for greater economic growth and agricultural advancement,” Ebegba explained.

Dr Jean-Baptiste Tignegre, AATF representative for West Africa, said that Makinde left a lasting legacy and made huge contributions to biosafety across Africa.

Prof. Jeremy Ouedraogo, Head of ABNE, who succeeded Makinde, noted that his predecessor left behind a strong foundation on which to advance biosafety initiatives in West Africa.

Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), represented by Mr Abisabo Adamu, Principal Scientific Officer at NBMA, stated that Makinde’s legacy as ABNE’s pioneer head would not be forgotten.

“He was a visionary leader who understood biosafety and biotechnology in addressing some of Africa’s pressing needs.

“He ensured that Africa was not left behind in global discussions on biosafety issues”.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), emphasised that celebrating Makinde’s life and achievements was truly worthwhile.

Mustapha was represented by Dr Rose Gidado, Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Department.

He noted that Makinde’s legacy continues to inspire the agency in its efforts to advance biosafety in Africa and beyond.

Prof. Olamide Makinde, daughter of the late professor, expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for organising the memorial lecture, adding that her father had a deep passion for Africa and biosafety. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

FG advocates private sector collaboration to improve sanitation

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By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for greater private sector involvement in improving access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nigeria.

Utsev made this call at the opening of the National Retreat for States on the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign in Abuja on Wednesday.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering market-driven solutions and attracting investment in sanitation infrastructure.

“We are focused on strengthening the role of the private sector in driving market-based solutions and creating business opportunities for sanitation entrepreneurs, such as Toilet Business Owners.

“We are also exploring innovative financing models and expanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment in sanitation infrastructure and services while leveraging technology and innovation”.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending open defecation in Nigeria by 2030, in line with the revised implementation strategy of the Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC).

He stated that 142 local government areas (LGAs) across 20 states had achieved open defecation-free (ODF) status as of January 2025.

He however acknowledged persistent challenges, including financial and human resource constraintsat state and local government levels, which have hindered progress.

Utsev urged state governments to develop clear, time-bound ODF Action Plans aligned with the campaign’s 2025–2030 strategy and to establish dedicated implementation teams to accelerate efforts.

He also announced plans to introduce a national performance scorecard to assess and rank states based on their sanitation efforts, with incentives for high-performing states.

The minister praised states making huge ODF progress, urged others to follow, and called for stronger collaboration with development partners to achieve an ODF Nigeria by 2030.

He noted that while the SURWASH initiative is currently being implemented in seven states, plans are in place to expand it following an ongoing evaluation.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2030, urging stakeholders to intensify sanitation efforts.

Pheelangwah, represented by the Director of Reforms, Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, described the retreat as a key platform for evaluating progress and strengthening implementation efforts.

“This gathering marks another significant step in our collective commitment to ending open defecation and improving sanitation across the country.

“Our goal may seem ambitious, but it is achievable through strong political will, strategic collaboration, and sustained action at all levels,” he stated.

He commended stakeholders’ commitment to sanitation and urged them to share best practices and innovations.

Pheelangwah expressed hope that the retreat would strengthen state-level commitment and accelerate the campaign’s rollout nationwide.

He assured attendees that the retreat’s communiqué would provide clear guidance for advancing the initiative at the state level.

“Achieving a Clean Nigeria goes beyond policy, it requires behavioural change, community mobilisation, and long-term solutions”.

The CNC National Coordinator, Mrs Chizoma Opara said the retreat aimed to assess its five-year progress, saying only 142 local government areas across 20 states had achieved ODF status.

Opara called for greater collaboration to achieve the goal of making Nigeria ODF by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Gombe State Water Resources Commissioner, Mohammed Saidu, pledged to develop a five-year roadmap to achieve the ODF target.

Stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, WaterAid, UNICEF, and others delivered goodwill messages.

The two-day retreat gathered water commissioners from all 36 states, the FCT, and key sector partners.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of new information materials and a SURWASH programme logo to enhance awareness and engagement in the sector. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

AEPB engages 40 contractors to keep Abuja clean

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By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has engaged 40 contractors to keep the Federal Capital City clean.

The Director of the Board, Mr Osilama Braimah, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Braimah said that the board was up to date in its payment obligation to the contractors, saying “we have paid them 100 per cent and no contractor is being owed.”

He explained that the Board was responsible for handling waste management and city sanitation in Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Guzape, Katampe, Wuse, Mabushi, Wuye and other districts within the city centre.

Other areas, he said, include Airport Road, all the way to Bill Clinton, airport vicinity, and Central Business District and Goodluck Jonathan Expressway, all the way to Karu axis.

“We are also clearing the city of beggars and maintaining pedestrian bridges to prevent people from using them as markets.

“We are also responsible for maintaining the sewage system in the city and the sewage treatment plants in Wupa, Guzape, Katampe, and Apo, including the Sewage Pump Station in the city.

“In a nutshell, the AEPB is responsible for the enforcement of all environmental legislations and abatement of all forms of environmental degradation and nuisance.

“The Board also regulates the impact of physical development on the ecosystem,” he added.

Braimah said that each of the 40 contractors was assigned a specific area of coverage to evacuate waste and keep the area clean.

He, however, said that the Board sometimes intervenes when the contractors could not cope with the huge volume of refuse being generated daily within the city.

“We have our own team to step in and provide support whenever the contractors fail in their task of evacuating refuse.

“So, our job is to supervise but once we give you a job and you don’t perform, we intervene, and when we want to pay, we subtract for the intervention.

“If every day’s work is N200,000 for example, we multiply by the number of days we intervened and subtract from the contractor’s payment,” he said.

The director said that contractors have been fulfilling their obligations by keeping Abuja city clean through routine evacuation of refuse dump every two weeks.

He, however, noted the visible pile of refuse dumps in some parts of satellite towns and area councils, stressing that those areas were not under the jurisdiction of AEPB.

He particularly explained that except for Abuja Municipal Area Council, which AEPB was responsible for, the remaining five councils were not under its purview.

Speaking on noise pollution, Braimah said that the AEPB intervenes on noise pollution emanating from nightclubs, houses and other public places.

He, however, said that the Board does not have jurisdiction over moving vehicles or motorcycles.

“If it is night clubs, noise from grinding machines in peoples’ houses and other public buildings, we go there with our noise metre and measure the noise to determine the pollution level.” (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Environment

Water, sanitation, food security critical to national development –FG

317 total views today

By Isaiah Eka

Mr Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has stated that water, sanitation, and food security are essential to Nigeria’s development.

Pheelangwah made this remark at the 31st regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting is “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change”.

The permanent secretary, who also serves as the Council’s Chairman, noted that water, sanitation, and food security have a direct impact on public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.

He urged the National Technical Committee, which is holding a five-day session, to identify challenges and propose solutions through the memoranda to be presented.

“The theme of this year’s Council meeting was carefully chosen to reflect the critical importance of water, food security, and the negative impacts of climate change on our people.

“This theme is timely, as it could not have come at a better moment.

“It is important that we continue to meet because what we know today may not hold tomorrow.

“Life keeps evolving, and we must evolve with it; otherwise, what we considered relevant yesterday becomes obsolete today,” he said.

He further noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security necessitates action from relevant ministries and authorities to ensure adequate irrigation and year-round farmland cultivation for food production.

The permanent secretary also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and development partners for their unwavering support of the ministry’s efforts.

In her remarks, Mrs Emah Udonsek, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised that water and food security are fundamental to human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

She noted the timeliness of the theme, noting its focus on sustainable water resource management and food security for Nigerians.

“The theme also underscores the urgent need for action, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change,” she said.

Udonsek added that the future of food security and water availability is closely tied to the nation’s ability to adapt to climate change.

NAN reports that development partners and key stakeholders delivered goodwill messages during the opening session of the technical meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

Only innovation, partnership can save the climate – Expert

279 total views today

By Uche Anunne

An environmentalist, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says only partnership among countries and innovation into cleaner energies can save the climate from further devastating damage.

Onuigbo, former member of House of Representatives, said this on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The All Progressives Congress Chieftain represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and former chairman, House Committee on Climate Change.

“To save the environment and mitigate climate change, we have to collaborate, network and innovate. There is nothing any country can do alone.

“We must innovate and collaborate because anything that has to do with the environment is borderless,’’  Onuigbo said.

Onuigbo  sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act.

Climate change has been largely blamed for some of natural disasters including flooding, desertification, drought, and the recent wild fire that ravaged parts of California, U.S.

He said the recently concluded World Future Energy Summit and 15th International Renewable Energy (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, offered Africa can explore new areas of global partnership in renewable energy.

He said as the continent that bears the larger brunt of climate change, they also offered the continent the chance to deepen existing clean energy networks and investment opportunities.

Onuigbo said President Bola Tinubu had shown the desire for transition to clean energy such as his commitment to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project and liberalisation of the energy sector by signing the Electricity Act.

In June 2023, Tinubu, signed the Electricity Act 2023 (“The Act”), repealing the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

The Act empowers state governments to participate in areas previously reserved for the federal government, particularly transmission and distribution.

“The Summit offered  Mr President the opportunity to speak to the world on investment opportunities in areas as CNG and electric vehicles, the Evergreen City. There are profound declarations,’’ he told NAN.

According to the National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame, 2019-2023, Tinubu’s clean energy initiatives are yielding results as international investors are  showing interest in Nigeria’s lithium deposits to boost battery manufacturing.

He said there was a link among poverty, food security, diseases and climate change, saying mitigating the later would help in addressing the former.

For instance, he said, access to clean electricity would enhance economic activities and their attendant multiplier effects in families` income and wellbeing.

“You cannot talk about them in isolation. When there is desertification, drought—climate change impact has implications for sources of livelihood and this engenders poverty and insecurity’’, Onuigbo told NAN.

Onuigbo is a member representing South-East, Governing Board, and Chairman Committee  on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North-East Development Commission(NEDC). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Illustration for water scarcity
Environment

Water to become precious commodity in Nigeria – UNICEF

268 total views today

Water

By Muhammad Nasir

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised an alarm that water could soon become a highly precious commodity in Nigeria.

UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Christiane Munduate, issued the warning during an interview with journalists in Sokoto on Thursday.

Munduate warned that, if authorities in Nigeria failed to address environmental challenges and combat the effects of climate change, there would be water scarcity across several communities.

She said that environmental degradation and improper waste management practices were aggravating water scarcity in the country.

The UNICEF official urged the authorities to enforce existing laws to curb the indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic and polythene materials, which were harming the environment.

“In Nigeria, water will become the most precious commodity or product in the future.

“This will surpass the current value of solid minerals, oil and gas resources,” she warned.

Munduate, who was on a working visit to the North West, also expressed concerns about the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes.

She stated that the practice was worsening the effects of climate change.

She called on governments at all levels to prioritise the provision of clean water, emphasising its role in preventing diseases and improving public health.  (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Christiana Fadare

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