Abuja: The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) are collaborating to prioritize water management in the country. NIWRMC Executive Director, Dr. Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, disclosed this partnership during a visit to the Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement from the commission's Head of Press and Public Relations, Fatima Yusuf, indicated that Aminu-Zaria sees this collaboration as a significant step towards establishing proper synergy in water management across Nigeria. He highlighted that working with NASRDA could further national priorities in water management concerning climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and securing water and food resources.
The collaboration between NIWRMC and NASRDA is crucial in tackling various challenges related to water management, resource sustainability, water regulations, catchment management, and the execution of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) strategies. By pooling data and insights, both agencies aim to formulate well-informed policies that consider the complex interactions between water resources, climate change, and food production systems.
Aminu-Zaria emphasized the potential of satellite imagery in monitoring changes in land use and water bodies, which could improve predictions of droughts or floods and enable proactive measures to mitigate such events. He noted that cooperation with NASRDA would contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for Nigeria, ensuring that the needs of communities and the environment are met effectively.
Furthermore, Aminu-Zaria pointed out that NIWRMC would benefit from NASRDA's expertise in monitoring environmental changes, assessing water resources, and supporting decision-making processes. Aligning NASRDA's data services with NIWRMC's regulatory requirements is expected to enhance their integration, supporting the framework set by the National Inter-Agency Water Resources Management Committee.
Dr. Mathew Adepoju, in response, affirmed NASRDA's commitment to providing resources and personnel to support NIWRMC's mission of effective water management, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.