By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo is optimistic that the nation would overcome its challenges of flood management, drought and desertification.
This is even as he announced that the Technical Working Group of the National Economic Council (NEC) AD-HOC Committee on Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification has completed its assignment.
The Director Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan in a statement on Thursday said, the Minister spoke based on the previous numerous meetings of the Committee.
The Minister who is a Co-Chair of the TWG of the NEC AD-HOC Committee revealed that the committee has finalized its recommendations and suggestions in a report that is unique and stands out for its comprehensive nature, addressing not only floods but also drought, desertification, and erosion control.
Rt. Hon. Goronyo expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome challenges in flood management, drought, and desertification with the implementation of the report’s recommendations.
Emphasizing the President Bola Tinubu’s prioritization of the welfare of Nigerians, he urged unwavering dedication to fulfilling the mandate, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of national goals.
He highlighted that recommendations will involve stakeholders from various levels of Government, Agencies, communities, marketers, and individuals and stressed the importance of collective effort from all stakeholders to successfully tackle this significant national task.
Furthermore, he reminded the Committee of the recently released National flood outlook and urged preparedness of all stakeholders to address the challenges in order to mitigate the predicted outlook.
He acknowledged the completion of the Committee’s task and expressed confidence that the report would be effectively utilized for informed decision-making by policymakers.
He emphasized that the Report will now be forwarded to the main Committee for further action and subsequent transmission to the National Economic Council for consideration.
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to the office of the Vice President, Executive Governor of Kogi State, DG NEMA, NIMET, NISHA and other Eminent Stakeholders that served in the Committee for their support, and also commended the invaluable suggestions, rigorous deliberations, constructive arguments, and active engagement of the Committee Members which have collectively shaped a comprehensive roadmap and a resilient report.
He commended their synergy and collaborative spirit, underscoring their shared commitment to the prosperity of all Nigerians.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the Committee to undertake this important National assignment.
The highlight of the meeting was the unanimous adoption of the Report, signifying its readiness for submission to the National Flood Committee and subsequent transmission to the National Economic Council.
