The Federal Government has called for integrated management of Nigeria's rivers, forests, wetlands and watersheds to safeguard water resources, public health and livelihoods. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Prof. Joseph Utsev made the call on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2026 World Rivers Day. Utsev said sustainable water resources management requires coordinated action by governments, communities, traditional institutions, the private sector, development partners and civil society. He said the theme of the celebration, 'No Forests, No Rivers, No Water, No Life,' underscores the interdependence between healthy ecosystems and sustainable water resources. According to him, rivers support agriculture, food production, domestic and industrial water supply, fisheries, biodiversity, livelihoods and economic development, while forests, wetlands, floodplains and groundwater recharge areas help protect river sources.
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
