News Agency of Nigeria
Group urges NOSDRA to address environmental pollution
Environment

Group urges NOSDRA to address environmental pollution

589 total views today

By Diana Omueza

IHS Nigeria Limited, a Telecom Infrastructural service provider company in Nigeria, has urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to address environmental pollution in Abuja.

Mr Gimba Mohammad, the Director of Government Relations and External Affairs at IHS Nigeria made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NOSDRA, Mr Chukwuemeka Woke.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IHS Nigeria Limited offers telecommunications infrastructure deployment and post-construction management services that serve Nigeria customers worldwide.

Mohammad said that there were some alleged complaints on environmental pollution in some areas in Abuja and some states that required NOSDRA swift intervention.

“There are pending environmental compliant cases that need to be addressed, including the pollution cases in Saka Alapa Aro Community in Osogbo, Osun State, Oke-Agba, Akure in Ondo State and Lingo Estate, Lokogoma, Abuja.

“These challenges contribute to oil spills, including vandalism and theft ” he said.

Mohammad highlighted the roles played by IHS in Nigeria as a primary telecommunications infrastructure provider.

He said that the company operated thousands of telecom towers across the country relying on diesel-powered generators for its tower operations which needed NOSDRA’s oversight.

The IHS official said that he was aware of the potential risks of spillage and environmental contamination posed by its operations and sought the continued partnership of NOSDRA for regulatory training and guide.

He said that partnership with NOSDRA remains the only way to aid exploration of opportunities to ensure environmental compliance and sustainability of its operations.

“We reiterate our commitment to compliance with environmental standards. In practice our company’s compliance has been fair.

“However, while completely eliminating spills may not be possible, NOSDRA should empower IHS to manage spill incidents efficiently with the right tools,” he said.

In his remarks, NOSDRA’s director-general, commended the company for promptly notifying the agency about the alleged pollution at various locations.

Woke emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration in ensuring safety and environmental compliance with spill detection regulations.

“This proactive approach is commendable. Continuous partnership with NOSDRA will equip IHS with the necessary skills and expertise to effectively manage oil spills on-site.

“It will also provide the company with deeper insight into spill management requirements for operators,” he stated.

Woke pledged to investigate the alleged environmental pollutions and also restated the commitment of NOSDRA to support IHS by providing training for its site managers on spill prevention and management.

He also called for the timely remediation of pending spill-impacted sites of IHS, in line with NOSDRA’s regulatory guidelines.

Mr Irvine Obot, Deputy Director and Head of Special Duties at NOSDRA, commended the continued partnership between NOSDRA and IHS.

Obot disclosed that the agency had been actively engaged with IHS Nigeria since 2022 with regard to oil spill incidents in and around some sites reportedly linked to IHS operations.

He said that in line with NOSDRA’s regulatory mandate, the agency had conducted site assessments and initiated necessary remediation and close-out activities on some IHS sites to ensure environmental compliance and conservation.

These assessments, he said would be sustained.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

FG inaugurates N80bn Alau Dam reconstruction, upgrade
Agriculture , Environment

FG inaugurates N80bn Alau Dam reconstruction, upgrade

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By Hamza Suleiman

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has officially commenced the reconstruction and upgrade of the ₦80 billion Alau Dam in Borno State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alau Dam is a critical infrastructure serving as a water source, irrigation system, and flood control facility for the region.

Originally built between 1984 and 1986, the dam collapsed on September 10, 2024 due to severe flooding, displacing thousands and disrupting agriculture and water supply.

Following the disaster, President Bola Tinubu approved an ₦80 billion intervention fund.

This decision was based on recommendations from a high-powered technical committee, led by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, which was tasked with assessing dam infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday at Alau, Utsev emphasised that the reconstruction and upgrade of the dam would directly enhance water supply, flood control, and agricultural productivity in Borno state.

“This is not just another infrastructure project. This is a direct response to the devastating floods of 2024 and a demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and prosperity of Nigerians, particularly the people of Borno state”.

The minister explained that before its collapse, the Alau Dam played a pivotal role in providing irrigation for thousands of hectares of farmland and supplying potable water to Maiduguri and its environs.

He noted that decades of neglect, climate change impacts, and increased demand had weakened its capacity.


The minister further disclosed that the reconstruction would be executed in two phases over 24 months, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term resilience.

“Phase one, which will begin between March and Sept. 2025, will focus on urgent interventions to mitigate flood risks and restore the dam’s basic infrastructure.

“Phase two, which will commence in Oct. 2025 and run until 2027, will focus on comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade, including desilting, structural reinforcements, and expansion of irrigation channels to support sustainable agriculture and water supply”.

Utsev assured that the project would be executed transparently, with strict adherence to quality and safety standards.

In his remarks, Gov. Babagana Zulum lauded the Federal Government’s swift intervention, describing the reconstruction as a major step towards rebuilding lives, boosting the local economy, and ensuring long-term food security.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to not just rebuilding physical infrastructure, but restoring the livelihoods and dignity of our people,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the dam’s collapse had dealt a significant blow to farmers, herders, and households in the state, making its reconstruction critical to food security, economic stability, and water availability.

While acknowledging that the project was divided into two phases, he appealed for both phases to be executed concurrently, particularly emphasising the need to urgently address the issue of silting in the water basin.

“I want to appeal to the honourable minister to consider executing both phases concurrently, especially to clear the silting and restore the full functionality of the dam,” Zulum stated.

He further commended President Tinubu’s administration for its post-flood relief interventions, including the deployment of 200 trucks of food grains, which he said helped to stabilise affected communities.

Zulum announced the approval for the construction of a primary school and hospital in Alau community.

“I have approved the construction of a primary school and hospital for Alau community to ensure the holistic development of the area,” Zulum stated.

The governor urged residents of Alau and neighbouring communities to cooperate with contractors and provide support for the smooth execution of the project.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the importance of expanding irrigation facilities alongside the dam reconstruction to enhance dry-season farming and boost food production.

He called on the Ministry of Water Resources to incorporate irrigation infrastructure into the project, adding that his ministry was ready to partner with the Borno government to support farmers in utilising the fertile land surrounding Alau Dam.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is prepared to collaborate in maximising the agricultural potential of this project,” Kyari said.

The groundbreaking ceremony drew top dignitaries, including Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Sen. Ken Emeka and Sen. Sada Soli, Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Water and Sanitation.

Others in attendance included Sen. Kaka Shehu, representing Borno Central; the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi; and other top government officials. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Nnaji leads Climate-Smart Innovation drive at Commonwealth forum
Environment

Nnaji leads Climate-Smart Innovation drive at Commonwealth forum

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By Emmanuel Jonathan

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, says Nigeria is at the forefront of climate resilience and food security innovation.

Nnaji communicated this while addressing the Commonwealth Roundtable on Climate Finance and Food Security at Marlborough House, London, UK.

Dr Robert Ngwu, Special Adviser to minister, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said Nnaji outlined a comprehensive national strategy at the event.

Nnaji highlighted Nigeria’s bold initiatives to integrate innovation, climate finance and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change, land degradation and food insecurity.

The minister called for a global commitment to integrating some inherent challenges.

“We cannot afford to let climate inaction dictate our food security, science, technology and sustainable finance in tackling this future.”

Nnaji said that under the Nigeria Living Lands Initiative (NLLI), Nigeria was implementing cutting-edge solutions designed to mitigate environmental degradation while boosting agricultural productivity.

The minister listed some of the initiatives to include: “Integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture and Land Restoration which aimed at restoring 50,000 hectares of degraded land across Nigeria while generating 2,000 dollars to 3,000 dollars per hectare in farmer income.

“Climate-Smart Greenhouses that establish a controlled environment farming to enable year-round crop production and ensure food stability despite changing weather conditions.

“Bamboo Value Chain Development to promote eco-friendly construction, carbon sequestration and sustainable livelihoods through bamboo cultivation.

“Methanol Fuel Production and Clean Cooking Initiative adoption to replace biomass and fossil fuel dependency by Expanding Low Pressure Compressed Natural Gas (LPCNG) which affects 90 per cent of Nigerian households.”

The minister also listed the Integrated Biodigester Network that transformed organic waste into biogas and fertilisers, reducing greenhouse emissions by 300,000 tonnes annually.

He said that the Integrated Biodigester Network also provided clean energy to no fewer than 10,000 households. (NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

FG, CSOs to track state, LGA climate efforts
Environment

FG, CSOs to track state, LGA climate efforts

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By Emmanuel Afonne

The Federal Government says it is collaborating with some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to assess, track and rank the efforts put in place by states and Local Government Areas (LGAs) in addressing climate change issues.

Mr Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), said this at a one-day stakeholders workshop on Climate Action Index (CAI) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was jointly organised by BPSR in partnership with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) and Centre for Climate Action, Innovation and Engagement (CCAIE).

Arabi said the CAI would help drive accountability, encourage competition and highlight best practices to be replicated across the country.

“The Climate Action Index we introduce today is designed as a tool to assess, track, and rank sub-national climate efforts.

“This workshop aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment under the Paris Club Agreement and Climate Change Act of 2021, towards ensuring that sub national climate actions are transparent, measurable and impactful.

“The CAI is an innovative initiative created to amongst others evaluate, rank and support sub national governments in Nigeria towards fulfilling the climate commitments,” he said.

According to Arabi, climate change remains one of the most defining challenges in the country, with direct consequences on the economy, environment and public well-being.

This, he said, was an indication that a wholistic action should be taken to mitigate global warming and limit global temperature rise.

“Nigeria, like many other nations, have made ambitious commitments towards climate mitigation and adaptation through national and international agreements, including the Paris Accord and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

“However, the success of these commitments depends not just on federal policies but also on the active participation of sub-national entities like the states and local governments.

“While some countries have made significant commitments towards net-zero targets, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report 2024, indicates that current commitments are not enough to meet the Paris Agreement Goals,” Arabi said.

He added that the overall objective of the CAI was to ensure commitments towards addressing climate change and transitioning to a low carbon economy.

Mr A’Aron John, Executive Director, CCAIE, said the centre in collaboration with CeFTPI, developed the CAI to identify implementation gaps, promote accountability and develop actionable road map towards a net-zero future.

John regretted that Nigeria’s emissions increased by a Compound Annual Growth Rate of one per cent between 1990 and 2021.

He said to avoid further increase in emission, the CAI would evaluate states and LGAs based on three key pillars according to the NDCs framework.

“The pillars are climate action plan alignment with the federal targets, integration into state policies and implementation frameworks,” he said.

The National Emergency Management Agency and other critical stakeholders were part of the workshop. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

FG constructs 12 reference labs to monitor water quality
Environment

FG constructs 12 reference labs to monitor water quality

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has established 12 water quality reference laboratories across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve water quality monitoring and surveillance.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced this at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, said the laboratories were established under the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories and Monitoring Network Programme.

He also noted the introduction of the Freshwater Restoration and Source Water Protection Programme, aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s water sources, including rivers, lakes and artificial reservoirs.

Utsev said access to safe water is a priority under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the government committed to tackling sector challenges through partnerships and innovation.

He added that quality plays a vital role in public health, socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

He recalled that “according to the 2021 Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcomes Routine Monitoring (WASHNORM) Report, 67 per cent of Nigeria’s population has access to basic water supply services.

“However, a significant proportion still lacks access to safely managed drinking water, with 25 per cent of the population relying on unimproved or surface water sources, which pose a high risk of waterborne diseases.”

He acknowledged that poor sanitation remains a major concern, as open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal continue to contaminate water sources.

The minister stated that the ministry is leveraging modern technologies and collaborating with both local and international partners to enhance water quality management.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to eradicating open defecation and ensuring improved water and sanitation standards across the country.

“To further enhance water quality assurance, the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality, the Nigerian Standards for Ambient Water Quality, and the soon-to-be-finalised Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality have been established.

“Additionally, the Community Water Safety Plan has been introduced to empower rural communities with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent water contamination.

“The ministry has also commenced the production of hydrogen sulphide vials for microbial water quality assessment, which is currently being tested in UNICEF-supported states”, he said.

Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing safe drinking water for all Nigerians, promoting public health and economic productivity.

She emphasised that ensuring water safety is a public health, economic and environmental priority.

“We all know that contaminated water is a major cause of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea, which hinders socio-economic development.

“It is our collective responsibility to develop and implement robust policies, institutional frameworks and innovative solutions to improve water safety nationwide,” she said.

UNICEF WASH Manager, Mr Chiranjibi Tiwari, warned that two-thirds of Nigeria’s water sourcesare contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella, causing severe waterborne diseases like cholera.

He cited a 2021 WASHNORM data, reporting 111,000 cholera cases and 3,600 deaths, with outbreaks persisting, including in Lagos, a traditionally low-risk area.

He warned that contaminated water threatens public health, education and productivity, stressing the need for urgent, coordinated action to achieve SDG 6 on Universal Clean Water Access.

He also linked safe water access to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, warning that failure to act would hinder national progress.

Tiwari called for stronger collaboration among development partners, NGOs, civil society, academia, media and the private sector.

He urged stakeholders to form structured partnerships, particularly with the private sector, to develop household water treatment technologies and public awareness campaigns to promote safer water practices.

The UNESCO representative, Dr Enang Moma, warned that water pollution could pose serious risks to health, food production, ecosystems and economic growth.

She highlighted the impact of untreated wastewater, industrial chemicals and emerging pollutants, exacerbated by climate change.

Without improved water monitoring, she cautioned, 4.8 billion people could face health risks by 2030, stressing the urgency of pollution control and better wastewater treatment to prevent diseases like cholera and schistosomiasis.

She reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through its Intergovernmental Hydrology Programme (IHP) and technical expertise.

Representatives of WaterAid, Water Correspondents Association of Nigeria, ministries of health and environment, and other partners delivered goodwill messages. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Archbishop pledges support for Clean Nigeria campaign
Environment

Archbishop pledges support for Clean Nigeria campaign

520 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has pledged the Church’s support for the Federal Government’s Clean Nigeria, ‘Use the Toilet’campaign to end open defecation.

He made the commitment when he received the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and senior ministry officials in Abuja on Tuesday.

Kaigama commended the government’s engagement with religious leaders, stressing that governance should involve direct interaction with the people.

He noted the church’s role in raising awareness and educating communities, particularly in rural areas, about the dangers of open defecation and the need for improved sanitation.

He emphasised that open defecation contributes to waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and public health risks.

Citing Pope Francis’ Laudato Si on environmental care, he noted that the church is committed to promoting hygiene and sanitation.

Kaigama assured that he would personally advocate for the campaign and encourage priests to incorporate sanitation messages in their teachings.

He recalled the church’s role in promoting health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed readiness to collaborate with the government in ensuring clean and safe environments.

Earlier, Utsev explained that the Clean Nigeria campaign, launched in 2019, aims to eliminate open defecation by 2030.

He noted progress, with 142 local governments now declared open defecation-free, up from 102 before the current administration.

He urged the church to reinforce the message in its teachings and provide sanitation facilities as models for communities.

According to him, the Federal Government is willing to provide technical assistance to support the initiative.

“Our appeal is that we cannot achieve this without the support and collaboration of the Church. That is why we are calling on the Church to support us in this effort, as it will benefit all Nigerians.

“We recognise the power of the Church’s message and its wide-reaching influence. This is why we have chosen the Church as a key partner in promoting Nigeria’s goal of becoming an open defecation-free nation.

“Through Church conferences, this message can be shared, and priests attending these gatherings can help spread awareness in both urban and rural communities.

“Additionally, we would appreciate the opportunity to participate in these conferences, where our personnel can address bishops, priests, and seminarians to further promote this campaign.

“We sincerely thank you and pray that, through this collaboration, our people will enjoy better living conditions. Improved sanitation will also boost our nation’s economy, as public health is closely linked to economic development.

“We, therefore, urge the church to assist and partner with us in driving this campaign forward”.

The minister joined Catholics in praying for Pope Francis’ recovery and expressed hope for stronger church-government collaboration on public health and development. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

LAWMA to upgrade waste management with 100 CNG compactors
Environment

LAWMA to upgrade waste management with 100 CNG compactors

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By Fabian Ekeruche

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says it is upgrading waste management facilities in the state with the introduction of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) compactors.

LAWMA Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

Gbadegesin said LAWMA would be introducing CNG compactors which are environmentally friendly and cheaper to operate.

“This year, we will be bringing 100 compactors, next year, we will be doubling that. Over the next five years, our vision is to upgrade completely the waste collection fleet in Lagos.

“I should mention that these trucks could also use biogas to be produced from organic wastes, both liquid and solid,” Gbadegesin said.

Gbadegesin said that LAWMA partnered with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to complete a feasibility study on waste management.

He said the feasibility study was in partnership with the Swedish Government.

Gbadegesin said the feasibility study showed that most of the water and solid organic wastes could be used to produce biogas for LAWMA and LAMATA fleets.

He said that LAMATA would be bringing in about 2,000 CNG/biogas powered fleets from next quarter.

“We are bringing these things and making them available to the Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators.

“As you are aware, the PSP operators are the major partners of LAWMA; we are a regulating agency.

“We rely on them for the job of collecting wastes from households.

“When I talk of upgrading waste management infrastructure, I also mean the introduction of transfer loading stations,” Gbadegesin said.

He said that LAWMA would revive the already existing transfer loading stations in the state.

Gbadegesin added that the authority would construct new ones in partnership with Zoomlion Nigeria.

He explained that Zoomlion was investing its own money with the construction of new transfer loading stations and material recovering facilities.

“Material recovery facility is a new kind of facility in waste management that we don’t have before now.

“Material recovery facility is a better alternative to the landfill because at that material recovery facility, we are able to separate the waste into various streams that have value including organic.

“These can be used for composite or biogas or used for animal feeds, then we can also separate the metals; separate out the plastics into textile waste,” Gbadegesin said.

He added that 95 per cent of the things thrown away could be transformed into wealth.

“This is something that will give a lot of people employment and also wealth.

“That is why we call it waste to wealth.

“It is not waste unless you waste it,” Gbadegesin said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Senate committee seeks sustainable policies to tackle climate change
Environment

Senate committee seeks sustainable policies to tackle climate change

590 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged the implementation of proactive and sustainable policies to address climate change in West Africa.

Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, made the call when members of C7 West Africa Project Consortium paid him a visit in Abuja on Friday.

Ekpenyong noted that one of the most pressing challenges that must be addressed was the growing threat of climate change.

“To tackle it effectively, we need a comprehensive understanding of its impact on the Niger Delta.

“This will enable us to craft and implement policies that are not just reactive but proactive and sustainable”.

He lamented that decades of oil exploration had caused severe environmental damages to the region, with rising sea levels, flooding, and erratic weather patterns displacing communities and threatening livelihoods.

According to him, these challenges also contribute to the spread of diseases, further straining an already overstretched public health system.

“Moreover, the connection between environmental degradation and social unrest is undeniable.

“To achieve lasting peace, we must first address these root causes.

“However, our response must be guided by reliable data. Without it, our interventions risk being inadequate or misdirected,” he said.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, said that the phenomenon of climate change was an existential reality and a threat to the global system.

He said this was evident in the growing crisis across the world, the Sahel region, Northern Nigeria through desertification and the South South of Nigeria as seasonal floods wreaked havoc in its trail.

“Climate change is therefore altering the security landscapes around the world.

“West Africa is experiencing climate change at rates faster than the global average, leading to violent conflicts and complex humanitarian emergencies.

“Nigeria is already having much more than its fair share of this global phenomenon due to its continued impact on natural resource availability, biodiversity and agricultural productivity among others”.

Abdullahi called for research, mitigation and adaptation efforts “we have had to embark on over the past three years to enhance resilience leading to our policy brief. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Kevin Okunzuwa

Goni pledges commitment to staff training, welfare
Environment

Goni pledges commitment to staff training, welfare

509 total views today

By Abigael Joshua

Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General (C-G) of the National Park Service (NPS), has assured that staff training and retraining will remain a priority to ensure professionalism.

He made this commitment on Friday in Abuja during the passing-out parade in honour of Assistant Conservator-General (AC-G) Zanna Lawan.

“The service will continue to prioritise training, retraining, welfare, and the well-being of all staff,” he said.

He commended Lawan for his dedication to wildlife conservation, stating that his legacy would never be forgotten.

Goni encouraged him to continue demonstrating his deep passion for conservation even after his retirement.

The C-G also advised officers still in service to remain committed and passionate about conservation efforts.

Earlier, Lawan pledged his continued commitment to wildlife conservation beyond his retirement from the service.

“To my colleagues who are still in service, continue to protect and preserve this great treasure. Your passion and dedication make a difference every day.

“Always remember that the work we do daily is a legacy that we must uphold for the next generation to carry forward”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NIHSA seeks NBA’s support for stronger hydrological management
Environment

NIHSA seeks NBA’s support for stronger hydrological management

512 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

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