Nigeria to host international conference on irrigation, drainage

Joseph Utsev, minister of water resources and sanitation, said Nigeria is set to host the sixth African regional conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).

The event is slated to take place in Abuja from April 14 to 16.

The minister also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to advancing water and land management practices for agricultural development.

During the inauguration of additional task team members and committee chairpersons, Utsev emphasised Nigeria’s support for ICID’s objectives since its membership in 1970.

The minister, who was represented at the event by Bello Goronyo, minister of state for water resources, said the conference presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its dedication to improving water and land management, especially in agriculture.

He said that experts from across Africa are collaborating to address current challenges and foster cooperation through ICID’s network and groups.

Utsev emphasised the conference’s role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information among member nations for mutual benefit.

“The conference seeks to showcase technological advancements and best practices from around the world, with the aim of enabling attendees to learn and potentially adopt innovative approaches tailored to their specific contexts,” he said.

“To ensure effective preparations, each committee has been provided with specific Terms of Reference (ToR), outlining their responsibilities, with a three-week deadline for the submission of reports to the general secretary of NINCID.”

Utsev expressed confidence in the expertise and capabilities of the committee members to deliver impactful service, urging them to work diligently towards a successful conference.

In her remarks, Oyeronke Oluniyi, chair of the task team, said Nigeria’s hosting right was granted during the 24th ICID Congress which held in Australia in October 2023.

She emphasised ICID’s commitment to addressing irrigation and drainage issues specific to regions worldwide, including Africa, through its national committees.

The newly inaugurated team members, representing various committees, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged their commitment to ensuring a successful conference.