The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security in the country, through strategic collaboration with international development partners, particularly the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed FAO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Gudain Hussein, at the Ministry’s headquarters on Monday in Abuja.
In a statement by the ministry”s Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Prof. Utsev reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering focus on increasing food production as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the administration’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security underscores its seriousness in attracting investments and building sustainable food systems.
He assured the FAO delegation of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate through its Department of Irrigation and Drainage to support initiatives that promote increased agricultural output and sustainable water resource management.
The Minister also welcomed FAO’s upcoming Hand-in-Hand Initiative and the planned Investment Forum on Irrigation and Water Resources scheduled for 16–18 September 2025 in Abuja.
He described the event as a timely opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to accelerate food security efforts nationwide.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, emphasised the need for closer collaboration between FAO and the ministry to ensure the effective delivery of President Tinubu’s food security mandate.
Earlier in his address, Dr. Hussein highlighted that agriculture accounts for nearly 90 per cent of water use globally and stressed the importance of water resource investments in food production.
He noted that the upcoming forum will offer a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning in areas such as grants, loans, capacity building, and public-private partnerships across crop production, livestock, forestry, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability.
To enhance coordination, Dr. Hussein proposed the establishment of a technical committee to develop a joint policy framework for future collaboration between FAO and the Ministry.
Also present at the meeting were the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi; and the Deputy Director and FAO Desk Officer, Engr. Hauwa Sadique Muhammed.
