The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation on Friday called on the Federal Government to address the ongoing armed conflict in the country as it threatens water availability.
Nigeria has been grappling with armed conflicts such as terrorism, banditry, and clashes between farmers and herders, among other issues, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.
However, speaking during an event organised by FordMarx Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources to commemorate World Water Day in Abuja, the Head of the UNESCO office in Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, said Nigeria was already facing a water crisis, adding that the ongoing conflicts in many parts of the country could compound the situation if not urgently addressed.
He said, “Conflict can exacerbate the existing water crisis in the country. The linkages between water and armed conflict are complex. Sustainable water management leads to prosperity and peace depending on the decisions taken by the government.
“We will continue to support the Nigerian government in the sustainable water management of its water resources for peace and prosperity as well as achieving the SDG goal six.”
The Executive Director of FordMarx, Oforbuike Nnaji, also said Nigerians had no reason to be in a water crisis but for insecurity and corruption.
He noted that the activities of terrorists and other non-state actors were affecting his company’s drive to provide potable water to some rural communities.
Nnaji said, “Governments have come and gone, water projects have been established here and there, policies have been made, including ones not implemented, all aimed at tackling the challenge of availability and affordability of safe water, but regrettably these have not addressed the issues in the Water sector.
“Insecurity has also drastically affected the provision of water to citizens most especially in rural areas. I plead with the terrorists and bandits among others for a ceasefire. Their activities are making it difficult for people to adequately have access to potable water.”
Nnaji noted that he planned to create 50 million jobs through solar-powered irrigation and increase access to potable water for all Nigerians.
He said, “Subject to the requisite cooperation of the various Governments throughout Nigeria, it is our ultimate desire to create a minimum of 37 Million jobs in our industry, across the States and the FCT.
“The initiative when accomplished would increase access to good potable water, good health, and food security, through the modem solar-powered irrigation infrastructure.
“In fact, without doubt, solar-powered irrigation infrastructure alone can create more than 50 million jobs nationwide, in just one year alone!”
He further expressed willingness to partner with security agencies in their efforts to address the issue of insecurity.
