The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in water supply, sanitation, and irrigated agriculture, as part of a broader strategy to bolster food security, create jobs for Nigerian youths, and drive inclusive economic growth.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this known when the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Salem Saeed AlShamsi, and Mr. Saif Bin Thani, Head of Political and Economic Affairs at the UAE Embassy in Nigeria, paid a working visit to his office in Abuja.
The Ministry’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, quoted the Minister in a statement to have noted that since the assumption of office of President Bola Tinubu, the administration has prioritised agriculture and water supply as key pillars for achieving national food security, expanding access to clean and safe water, creating employment opportunities for youths, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
He emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to deepening collaboration with the UAE in areas of mutual benefit, particularly in water resources development, sanitation, and irrigation systems.
Prof. Utsev assured the delegation that the Ministry would continue to work closely with the UAE to exchange technical expertise, explore investment opportunities, strengthen institutional cooperation, and identify viable areas of intervention that will advance sustainable water management and agricultural productivity.
Also speaking, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Salem Saeed AlShamsi, stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening partnership with Nigeria on the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative, as well as exploring opportunities for collaboration on ongoing water and energy-related projects that can deliver mutual benefits.
He also extended an invitation to the Honourable Minister to attend the forthcoming Water Forum scheduled for December, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal.
The forum will bring together global leaders and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices on improving access to water and sanitation services, particularly in underserved communities.
The Ambassador expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening bilateral relations between both countries, noting that the improved synergy has significantly increased trade between Nigeria and the UAE.
He further stated that the UAE has become Nigeria’s leading Arab trading partner, accounting for approximately 47 percent of Nigeria’s trade with Arab nations.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, as well as some technical directors of the Ministry.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in sustainable water management, irrigation development, and shared prosperity between the two nations.
