3 months ago
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Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev
The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources and associated infrastructure.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, at the launch of the Nigerian Bilateral/Multilateral Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit 2025 in Abuja on Friday.
Utsev, who noted that his ministry is responsible for climate change mitigation and adaptation, further emphasized the ministry’s awareness of these impacts.
The minister was represented by the Director of Hydrology, Ngozi Abonwo.
He said, “The Ministry has taken and will continue to take deliberate steps and actions to mitigate the impact of climate change on water resources and associated infrastructure.
“Climate change is perhaps the most pressing global issue that has dominated public discourse at various international and national conferences, workshops, symposia and seminars. Of course, the reason is clear.
“The impact of climate change is all around us, and if we do nothing about it, we all risk being consumed. The climate change, which was once seen as a distant phenomenon, has caught up with us more rapidly than we anticipated, posing an existential threat to countries worldwide, including Nigeria.”
He said the ministry has demonstrated a proactive approach in preparing for infrastructure development and climate change action, recognising the urgency of addressing these challenges.
The minister also revealed that the Datsin Hausa Dam Project, located in Adamawa State upstream of Yola near the border with the Republic of Cameroon, upon completion, will receive and contain irregular releases of water from the Cameroon Lagdo dam, provide irrigation for approximately 150,000 hectares of land, and generate electricity of about 150MW.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Planning and Organizing Committee for the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme 2024, Moses Owharo, promised that the Nigerian Multilateral, Infrastructure and Climate Summit will shape the future pathway of Africa’s development, starting with Nigeria.
He also explained the decision to hold AICIS 2025 in Nigeria, considering the country’s role in Africa and its status as a political and economic powerhouse in West Africa.
