FG moves to protect water sources, gives reasons for shortages

The Federal Government has begun moves to protect the country’s water sources by finalizing work on the National Water Source Protection Policy Document.

The policy, when operational, will provide professional and efficient management of all surface and underground water sources.

Addressing a 2-day workshop for stakeholders in the water sector, titled ‘Finalisation of the National Water Source Protection Policy Document,’ the minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu said with the policy, stakeholders including domestic water consumers, farmers, fishermen, foresters, and industries would have a high quality, unpolluted water environment.

The minister noted that if responsible action, regulations, and financing are unclear, then the general water quality decline is likely to continue.

He also gave reasons why Nigerians still experience water shortages to include the fact that all the water agencies across the country are government-owned and inefficient.

He said there was the need for an independent water regulator to regulate the sector and make water available to all Nigerians.

“While Nigeria appears to have abundant water resources, its sustainability is threatened by land degradation, deforestation, rapid population growth, and other socio-economic development as well as climate change, which has placed tremendous pressure on our water resources,” he said.