Abuja: The Federal Government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in water supply, sanitation, and irrigated agriculture to enhance food security and sustainable development. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasized this commitment during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem AlShamsi, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Utsev highlighted the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s prioritization of agriculture and water supply as crucial sectors for achieving food security, expanding access to safe water, and creating employment opportunities. He reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to deepening collaboration with the UAE in water resources development, sanitation, and irrigation systems.
Prof. Utsev stated that the ministry would continue to work closely with the UAE to facilitate the exchange of technical expertise, explore investment opportunities, and strengthen institutional cooperation. He emphasized that such collaboration would advance sustainable water management and improve agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
Ambassador AlShamsi expressed the UAE’s intent to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria, particularly through the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative. He invited Prof. Utsev to attend the upcoming Water Forum in December, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, which aims to provide a platform for global leaders to exchange knowledge and best practices in improving access to water and sanitation services.
AlShamsi commended President Tinubu for enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UAE, noting that improved cooperation had boosted trade between the two countries. He pointed out that the UAE has become Nigeria’s leading Arab trading partner, accounting for approximately 47 percent of Nigeria’s trade with Arab nations.
The News Agency of Nigeria also reported that the meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, and several technical directors. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in sustainable water management, irrigation development, and shared prosperity between Nigeria and the UAE.