The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, is looking forward to collaborate with the Egyptian Government, in the critical areas of Water Resources, Food production, and Sanitation, for the overall benefits of all Nigerians.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, expressed this commitment during a courtesy visit to his office by His Excellency Amb. Moustafa Awad, the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev underscored the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration to ensure the success of its ‘Food Security Mandate’ and ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ recognizing the pivotal role of water resources in achieving food security and overall economic stability.
The Honourable Minister also highlighted the Ministry’s inclusion of “Sanitation” in its name and expressed optimism about advancements in this critical area.
He accepted an invitation to the upcoming Egyptian Water Week, scheduled for October 29, 2023, in Egypt.
In his remarks during the meeting, the Honourable Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., emphasized the vast potentials for mutual benefits in this collaboration, especially in ensuring food security, given the extensive land areas of both nations.
The Egyptian Ambassador, Amb. Moustafa Awad, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to partner with Nigeria in various aspects of Water Management, Flood management, Irrigation, Crop cultivation, and Sanitation.
He also highlighted the ongoing discussions regarding Public Private Partnerships with Rice Farmers Association and other stakeholders in Nigeria, with focus on areas such as Animal husbandry and food production, with finalization expected soon.
As part of the visit, draft copies of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an invitation to the Cairo Water Week were presented to the Honourable Minister.
