The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNIWE, FNICE, accompanied by the Honourable Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo Esq., and the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, FCNA, received His Excellency Dr. Jose Bamoquina Zau, the Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja, on Tuesday 6th February, 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to explore avenues of collaboration and partnership to bolster the Water Sector in both countries.
The Honourable Minister expressed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Angola and welcomed the initiative for collaboration in the Water Sector. He underscored the significance of cross-border partnerships in addressing water-related challenges such as access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and efficient water resources management.
The Minister particularly emphasized that achieving access to clean and safe water for all required support from all critical stakeholders in the Water and Sanitation Sector. He accepted the invitation extended to him by the Angolan Ambassador to visit the country for a more inclusive partnership in other areas of mutual benefit.
During the meeting, Ambassador Jose Bamoquina Zau conveyed the keen interest of the Angolan government in enhancing cooperation with Nigeria in the critical area of water resources and energy management.
Recognizing the shared challenges and opportunities in the water sector, the Ambassador stressed the importance of bilateral collaboration to address common issues and achieve sustainable development.
Both parties discussed potential areas of collaboration, including knowledge exchange, capacity building initiatives, technological advancements, and joint projects aimed at improving water infrastructure and energy services in their respective countries.
The meeting concluded with a mutual need to establish a joint working group comprising representatives from both countries to further explore collaborative opportunities for cooperation in the water sector.
The visit of Ambassador to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation marks a significant step towards strengthening the cordial relationship between Angola and Nigeria and underscores the commitment of both nations to advancing sustainable development through mutual cooperation in the Water Sector.
Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Press and Public Relations.
