The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has underscored the urgent need to protect our rivers and waterways from pollution, emphasizing their vital benefits in supporting the water cycle, providing habitats with aquatic life, and contributing to economic growth.
The Minister made this statement today during a press briefing at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, commemorating the 2024 World Rivers Day.
Prof. Utsev highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “The Incredible Natural, Cultural, and Recreational Values of Rivers and Streams in Our Communities.” He noted that in Nigeria, the sub-theme “Protect Our Rivers from Pollution” reflects the urgent call for action, particularly as the country grapples with extreme weather events like floods and droughts, which have increasingly severe impacts on communities and the environment. He reiterated the importance of safeguarding our rivers to preserve their value and mitigate climate change risks.
Referencing Mark Angelo, the esteemed river advocate and founder of World Rivers Day, who stated that “rivers are integral to all lives,” he also mentioned that this year’s celebration in Nigeria would be low-key due to the devastating flooding that affected parts of Maiduguri, Borno State, earlier in September.
Prof. Utsev expressed solidarity with the people of Borno State and announced that the Ministry is conducting an assessment of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri to ensure its structural integrity and prevent future incidents. He also highlighted ongoing controlled water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon as a precautionary measure to reduce downstream flooding risks along the Benue River.
The Minister urged state governments along the River Benue to remain vigilant and implement flood preparedness measures. He directed the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency NIHSA and the twelve River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) to monitor dams closely and report any potential risks to life and property. Additionally, he noted that operators of the Kainji, Jebba, and Zungeru Hydropower Plants have communicated their annual water discharge plans to local communities and stakeholders.
Prof. Utsev encouraged urban planners to adopt integrated approaches that recognize the connections between rivers, flooding, and environmental health, emphasizing that this is essential for achieving the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which focuses on food security, job creation, and improved socio-economic wellbeing.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to making Nigeria Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2025, and called on all stakeholders to protect rivers from pollution and harmful activities, urging the public to refrain from dumping wastes and engaging in practices that jeopardize the health of these vital watercourses.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, emphasized the connection between rivers and dams, explaining that most dams rely on the natural flow of rivers. He stressed the importance of World Rivers Day in raising awareness about the critical role healthy rivers play in national development.
Rt. Hon. Goronyo warned against spreading misinformation about dam safety and assured the public of the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining dam security through regular monitoring and data-driven decisions.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelagwah in his address highlighted the crucial role of rivers in water supply, biodiversity, flood control, and socio-economic activities. He lamented the severe pollution facing Nigeria’s rivers due to human activities, climate change, and industrial development, which threaten access to safe water and ecosystems.
He called for urgent action to protect rivers and preserve their ecological functions and benefits, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to raising public awareness, ensuring access to safe water, enhancing food security, and promoting poverty reduction.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Dr. Segun Michael, representative of the Director General of the National Water Resources Institute; Mrs. Sekinat Abbo Jimeta, Acting Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission; and Mr. Jabo Stephen Margima, representative of the Director General of NIHSA.
Engr. Christy Oduh, Director, River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, expressed deep gratitude during her vote of thanks at the 2024 World Rivers Day celebration. She acknowledged the leadership of the Ministry for their support and passion for rivers.
She also thanked the event organizers, the Managing Directors of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities, and the heads of key water agencies for their collaboration. Engr. Oduh urged everyone to continue advocating for the protection of rivers, emphasizing their importance to our lives and ecosystems.
The ceremony concluded with symbolic tree planting and river clearing activities at Jabi Lakeside.
Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and Public Relations
