Federal government is collaborating with the Hungarian government to enhance food security, flood control and training of young water engineers in Nigeria.
This was made known during a courtesy visit by the Honorary Consul-General of Hungary, Mr Endre Deri, and his team to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in Abuja.
During the visit, the minister of state, Ministry of Water Resources, Muhammad Goronyo emphasized the importance of maintaining the ongoing collaboration between the ministry and the Hungarian government and stakeholders in the water sector.
Goronyo recalled the previous agreements between the ministry and the Hungarian Ministry of Interior and University of Public Service in Hungary, aimed at establishing a framework for cooperation in water management.
While revealing that these efforts were interrupted by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, he added that two sets of trainings have already been completed, one in Nigeria and the other in Hungary.
He highlighted the significance of revisiting the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which encompasses critical aspects of River Basin management planning, waste and water management, and water-related educational research and development.
He underscored the importance of the involvement of key stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and others, in ensuring a comprehensive review of the document to kick-start the necessary actions.
The minister stressed that the revisitation of the MOU aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for food security and flood control, ultimately benefiting all Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Honorary Consul General of Hungary, Mr Endre Deri, commended the minister of state for his commitment to revisiting the agreement between the two countries.
He highlighted the potential benefits of collaboration in water management, particularly in enhancing food security, flood mitigation, and educational development for young water engineers.
Deri also emphasized the potential impact of river training in expanding irrigable lands along the banks of Rivers Niger and Benue, leading to a significant increase in agricultural yields.
