The minister of water resources and sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has called for stronger water conservation efforts as Nigeria joins the global community in marking the 2025 World Water Day.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, Mr Utsev said the theme, “Glacier Preservation”, reflects the significance to global water security and the impact of climate change on freshwater resources.

The minister noted that although Nigeria does not have glaciers, their rapid melting due to climate change is contributing to rising sea levels, erratic weather patterns, and freshwater shortages.

He said this indirectly affects the country through increased flooding, droughts, and declining agricultural productivity.

“Glaciers supply 70 per cent of the world’s freshwater, and their loss poses a serious threat to global water systems”.

He stated that the ministry had implemented several initiatives to address these problems and to improve water access and sustainability.

“These include the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH), which focuses on improving rural water supply, and the National Action Plan for WASH, aimed at making Nigeria open defecation-free by 2025”.

Mr Utsev said the ministry was investing in irrigation, solar-powered boreholes, and flood monitoring to improve water use and management.

He called for a collaborative approach to tackling Nigeria’s water challenges, urging stakeholders to take action.

“The federal government must strengthen policies on climate adaptation and flood control, while state governments should enforce local water conservation and afforestation programmes,” he said.

He also encouraged the private sector to invest in eco-friendly technologies for sustainable water management and urged NGOs and research institutions to raise awareness on climate resilience and community-based adaptation strategies.

He called on individuals and communities to adopt water-saving habits and support environmental sustainability efforts.

Mr Utsev expressed appreciation to international partners such as UNESCO and UNICEF for their continued support and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for All by 2030.

“As we mark World Water Day 2025, let us renew our commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable water access for all Nigerians.

“A water-secure Nigeria is a climate-resilient Nigeria,” he said.

Permanent secretary of the ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, also underscored the global importance of water conservation.

“This year’s theme, ‘Glacier Preservation,’ highlights the impact of climate change on freshwater sources and the need for sustainable water management,” he said.

He urged collective action at all levels to protect water resources, emphasising that sustainable water management is essential for future generations.

Representatives from UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Bank, and other key stakeholders delivered goodwill messages at the event.

The event also witnessed the launch of the Climate Resilient Water Safety Plan Guidelines and the Revised Technical Designs for WASH Facilities.

The World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, raises awareness on global water challenges.

In sub-Saharan Africa, 387 million people still lack access to safe water, a crisis expected to worsen as the continent’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.

 (NAN)