The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, joined the global community today, March 22, 2025, to mark World Water Day and emphasized the urgent need for glacier preservation.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” highlighting the critical role glaciers play in regulating the global water cycle, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining human livelihoods.
The Honourable Minister described glaciers as one of the most visible indicators of climate change, warning that their rapid melting signals alarming rise in global temperatures and alerts for imminent environmental dangers.
Citing data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), he noted that glaciers store nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater supply, making their loss a severe threat to water security, food production, and ecosystem stability.
Although Nigeria does not have glaciers, the Minister stressed that their melting has far-reaching consequences, including rising sea levels, coastal flooding, extreme weather events, and freshwater shortages.
He pointed out that climate-induced temperature increases are already affecting Nigeria’s agriculture, water availability, and disaster resilience.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable water management and sanitation, Prof. Utsev highlighted several key initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s water security, including, the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, SURWASH Programme, among others.
He called on state governments, Development Partners, and stakeholders in the water sector to intensify efforts in climate adaptation, water conservation, and sustainable resource management.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced water resource management, noting that glacier loss directly impacts global freshwater availability.
He urged the media to play a pivotal role in raising awareness and advocating for sustainable water practices at both Local and International levels.
Representing UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, Dr. Enang Moma, National Professional Officer (Science) at UNESCO, described glaciers as nature’s water towers, storing nearly two-thirds of the Earth’s freshwater.
She warned that glaciers in the Andes Mountains have already lost 30–50% of their ice mass, while those on Mount Kenya, Rwenzori, and Kilimanjaro are at risk of total disappearance if urgent action is not taken. Dr. Moma called for strong International partnerships to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.
Similarly, UNICEF Chief of WASH, Dr. Jane Bevan, highlighted the cascading effects of glacier loss on climate change, weather patterns, and water availability, stressing that these challenges, though seemingly distant from Nigeria’s immediate concerns, have both direct and indirect consequences.
She urged Nigerians to adopt eco-friendly practices and sustainable water usage habits to mitigate climate change.
Key Highlights of the Event Included, goodwill messages from development partners, the launch of two key documents on climate change resilience(Climate Resilient Water Safety Plan Guidelines, and Revised Technical Designs for WASH Facilities) by UNESCO and the commissioning of a water project by the Honourable Minister at the NYSC Camp in Abuja.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and PR
March 22, 2025
