Flood, Deforestation: Stakeholders Prescribe Tree Planting, River Desilting

Stakeholders at the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency-organised a two-day retreat  have recommended tree-planting within the Sahel region to combat drought and desertification and providing alternative energy sources for the poor, such as coal briquettes to mitigate deforestation as part of measures to  optimise water resources management in the country

The participants who included officials from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWR&S), National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), FIFABS Consultancy, and the host, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), also called for carrying out river training and desilting of river channels to mitigate flood disasters in the country, among other measures.

NIHSA director-general Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, who signed the retreat communique, said the event was a strategic effort to enhance the agency’s performance and capabilities in executing its mandate and provide a platform for experts and stakeholders committed to addressing Nigeria’s water management challenges.

According to him, the retreat, with the theme “Defining and Roadmapping the Operations of the Agency in the Next Four Years,” was geared towards re-appraising the agency’s mandate in providing services required for assessing the nation’s surface and groundwater resources in terms of quantity, quality, distribution, and availability in time and space for efficient and sustainable management of the water resources.

After extensive deliberations, the stakeholders also resolved, among others, that the transfer of Lake Chad from outside (Congo Basin) is not a viable venture considering scientific, political, and economic imperatives and that there is a need to identify recharge zones within the basins for channelling excess flood waters for other uses.

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Professor L.L. Bashir, a leading researcher and consultant, provided insight into the retreat’s goals and highlighted its role in developing a strategic roadmap for NIHSA’s operations over the next four years.

“This roadmap is intended to address critical issues such as flooding, droughts, and regional disparities in water resource management,” he said.

On the part, the director of Dams and Reservoir Operations at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation Engineer Ali D’allah and the director for Water Supply at the same ministry, Mukaila Babarinde, were present to represent the federal ministry. Their participation underscored the collaborative effort required to address the nation’s water challenges effectively.

Director of the Engineering Hydrology at NIHSA, Fash Adamu F.H., said retreat is focused on gathering critical data through research and development to enhance the agency’s service delivery.

“This data will be pivotal in refining NIHSA’s strategies and ensuring a more effective response to water-related issues.

“The importance of such retreats cannot be overstated. They provide a platform for stakeholders to align their efforts, share expertise, and develop comprehensive strategies to tackle complex issues. The retreat also offers an opportunity to review current practices and identify areas for improvement, which is essential for maintaining progress and achieving organisational goals.”

According to her, director general Mohammed’s initiative to organise this retreat reflected his commitment to advancing NIHSA’s mission and enhancing water management in Nigeria.

Speaking of the NIHSA DG, she said, “His leadership and dedication are commendable. They demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the agency’s challenges and working towards a more effective and responsive water management system. “

Director of the Hydrology at NIHSA, James Bisong, asserted that the outcomes of the retreat would lead to significant improvements in water safety and cleanliness, ultimately contributing to healthier living standards across the nation.