From Olukayode Idowu, Maiduguri
Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu on Monday said the nation needs to work out an enabling legal framework for proper regulation of the Water Resources sector to attract investors
The Minister made the statement during the presentation of 5-Year Compendium on Water Resources Development in Nigeria (2015 – 2020), to showcase the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Speaking at the presentation, which was part of the 2nd Edition of Nigeria Media Water Week, said: “The presentation of this 5-year compendium to the general public today, is to afford us the opportunity to primarily document institutional memory and provide a platform for the Nigerian public to access information on the activities of the Ministry of Water Resources in the last 5 years.”
Adamu said: “I like to place on record that my reappointment in 2019 to the Ministry has enabled me to leverage on our previous gains during the first term of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.”
He noted that: “Although, we have recorded considerable success as outlined in the Compendium, a lot more can be achieved with enabling legal framework for proper regulation of the sector to attract investors.”
He told journalists that: “In this regard, I wish to solicit your support and maximum cooperation in the enlightenment of all Nigerians on the benefits of the National Water Resources Bill and the need to pass it into law.”
He noted that: “The relevance of water to all aspects of human life and endeavors cannot be overemphasized as water is the very foundation for food security, job creation, water supply and sanitation and hydropower generation, amongst others.” Adamu said: “Despite the increase in population and deteriorating infrastructure, the Ministry vigorously pursued strategic programmes to increase National access to water supply from 67% in 2015 to 71% in 2019.”