The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), under the leadership of its Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, has embarked on a strategic collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This initiative aims to address Nigeria’s pressing water resource challenges while fostering sustainable industrial development.
Leading a delegation of NIHSA’s management team, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed paid a courtesy visit to UNIDO, a specialized UN agency dedicated to reducing poverty, promoting inclusive globalization, and advancing environmental sustainability. The meeting highlighted NIHSA’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships to tackle issues like flooding, drought, and climate change adaptation.
During the session, NIHSA’s Director of Hydrogeophysics, Mr. Stephen Jabo, presented an overview of the agency’s operations and objectives. In his address, the Director General stressed the importance of integrating UNIDO’s expertise in industrial development with NIHSA’s hydrological services. He emphasized that such a partnership could revolutionize Nigeria’s approach to water resource management.
“We are eager to explore ways in which NIHSA can collaborate with UNIDO to enhance our hydrological services and integrate innovative solutions into our water management strategies,” said Umar Ibrahim Mohammed. He further noted that the collaboration would align with national goals for water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Dr. Osuji Otu, UNIDO’s National Programme Officer, affirmed UNIDO’s readiness to support NIHSA through capacity building, technical expertise, and research-driven solutions. He proposed extending the collaboration to include environmental management and small hydropower projects in specific Nigerian states, positioning NIHSA as a pivotal player in the initiative.
Both organizations agreed to prioritize joint initiatives, including advanced data collection technologies, water-related industrial projects, and the alignment of UNIDO’s sustainable industrial programs with NIHSA’s mandate. This would not only enhance hydrological data management but also promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The partnership also explores potential for small-scale hydropower development, aiming to diversify Nigeria’s energy sources while strengthening water systems' resilience to climate challenges.
This collaboration signifies a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s hydrological and environmental issues through innovative international cooperation. NIHSA remains optimistic that the outcomes will benefit the nation’s water systems and broader industrial development goals.
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