The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, is set to collaborate with the Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologists (NAH) to strengthen groundwater mapping and ensure accurate data collection across the country for sustainable national development.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, disclosed this when he received the President of the Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologists, Mrs. Fashe-Adam Francisca, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
The Minister stated that the proposed collaboration would enhance the effective regulation of water schemes being implemented by individuals, communities, and governments at all levels, while promoting sustainable groundwater development and management across the country.
Prof. Utsev commended the Association for its contributions to groundwater exploration, management, protection, and advocacy over the years. He emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to partnering with relevant professional bodies to strengthen the water resources sector and improve service delivery to Nigerians.
He further assured the delegation that the Ministry would work closely with the Association to ensure the successful implementation of ongoing initiatives, including the development of the National Water Compact and the conduct of environmental impact assessments for water-related projects.
To facilitate the partnership, the Minister directed the relevant Directors in the Ministry to work out modalities for the development and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the implementation of the agreed areas of collaboration.
Earlier, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologists, Mrs. Fashe-Adam Francisca, said the visit was to formally introduce the newly elected leadership of the Association and express appreciation to the Ministry for its continued commitment to water resources development and food security in Nigeria.
She noted that the Association, comprising registered hydrogeologists, researchers, academics, and industry professionals operating across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, has remained at the forefront of groundwater exploration, management, protection, policy formulation, and public advocacy.
She specifically sought the Ministry’s partnership in the areas of technical collaboration on nationwide groundwater mapping and hydrogeological data collection for the production of reliable groundwater maps, the inclusion of NAH-certified hydrogeologists in Ministry projects and national assignments, as well as the participation of the Honourable Minister at the Association’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting and International Conference.
Present at the meeting were the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, and other technical Directors of the Ministry.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about the prospects of a productive partnership that will contribute significantly to sustainable water resources management, food security, and national development.
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and Public Relations
25 June 2026
