….provides water facility for FCT corps members

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 World Water Day, the Federal Government, weekend, called on States and other stakeholders to synergize to drive a sustainable water security.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, made the call during a press briefing as part of activities to mark the Day with the theme, ‘Glacier Preservation’.

Utsev in his keynote address explained the critical role of glaciers even though not seen in the territory of Nigeria but said it also impact directly and indirectly the climatic condition of the country.

The Minister also made it known that according to the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, glaciers provide nearly 70 per cent of the world’s freshwater supply, and their rapid loss could have devastating effects on global water systems, adding that it affects coastal erosion and rising sea levels, whereby, the melting of glaciers contributes to sea level rise, endangering coastal communities in Lagos, Bayelsa, and Rivers States through increased flooding and land loss.

However , the Minister expressed concerns over the challenges as they “threaten Nigeria’s ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: ‘clean water and sanitation for all’ by 2030”, but the Ministry Is working to has come up with policies, programmes and projects to ensure equitable and sustainable access to water across the country as a way to address the challenges.

He said: “The Ministry has created a roadmap for the responsible management of water resources through the development and implementation of the National Water Resources Policy to balance the needs of agriculture, industry, domestic use, and environment; Vital role has been played in the successful implementation of water governance reforms to ensure that water management aligns with global best practices.

“We are not ignorant of the fact that sustainable water security requires partnerships at all levels of government, private sector, development partners, and communities. To this end, we call on all stakeholders to redouble their efforts at supporting initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s water security and contribute to peace and development.

“To move forward, we must deliberately take some specific actions as key stakeholders, which include: The Federal Government will continue to strengthen policies on climate adaptation, enhance flood control systems, and invest in sustainable water infrastructure.

“State Governments should implement local water conservation programs, promote afforestation, and enforce environmental regulations.

“The Private Sector must invest in eco-friendly technologies, support sustainable water management initiatives, and engage in corporate social responsibility projects for clean water access.

“Research Institutions and NGOs should raise awareness about the effects of environmental issues like glacier loss, conduct studies on climate resilience, and advocate for community-based adaptation measures.

“And Communities and Individuals must adopt water-saving practices, participate in tree planting efforts, and push for stronger environmental policies.”

In a goodwill message, the Director-General, UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, represented by Enang Momoh, said, “Glaciers bear witness to the Earth’s history, holding within them essential information about the atmosphere, wind patterns and other climate conditions of the past. Now, we must take urgent, collective action to protect these vital resources—for the sake of our future. On these World Days, let us remember the words of Icelandic author Andri Magnason: ‘Chaos is not confined to the glacier’s edge.'”

In the climax of marking the 2025 World Water Day, the Minister commissioned a water project at the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

He said over the years the Ministry has always marked the World Water Day with the provision of water facility to needy communities as a way of emphasizing the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to improving water infrastructure across the country.

“We have keenly observed that the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa accommodates thousands of young graduates undergoing the mandatory Service, which one of the major challenges of dealing with such population has to do with water and sanitation.

“Therefore, recognizing the need to ensure adequate water supply to support the health, hygiene, and overall well-being of the youths, the Ministry took a proactive step to embark on this project to ensure a sustainable water solution.

“I am sure that the water facility we are commissioning today will not only enhance access to clean water for the NYSC Camp in Kubwa, but will also promote better sanitation and hygiene practices, in line with the objectives of the Federal Government’s “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign.

“As we celebrate this day, we reaffirm our commitment to climate resilience and sustainable water management for the well-being of all Nigerians, including the young men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our dear country”, he stated.

However , the Minister urged Corp members and camp officials in the Kubwa NYSC Camp to take full ownership of the facility and use it responsibly to ensure effective service delivery over the required span of the facility.