The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) have formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainable groundwater development and management across Nigeria.
The signing ceremony, held at NIHSA's headquarters in Abuja, represents a landmark step in safeguarding and responsibly utilizing Nigeria's critical groundwater resources.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between NIHSA and AWDROP, focusing on key objectives such as promoting sustainable groundwater development, sharing expertise, data, and resources, and organizing capacity-building programs for AWDROP members. Additionally, it aims to support the development and implementation of effective policies and regulations to ensure responsible groundwater management.
This partnership aligns with Nigeria's overarching goals of sustainable water resource management, improved access to clean water, and resilience against water scarcity.
Under the agreement, NIHSA will provide tailored training programs and capacity-building initiatives for AWDROP members. These efforts will equip them with advanced knowledge and skills in groundwater management, as well as facilitate access to hydrological data and other critical resources to inform sound decision-making.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, expressed his optimism about the partnership. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve shared objectives and described the MoU as a crucial milestone.
"We at NIHSA are proud to collaborate with AWDROP in this vital initiative. This MoU will not only ensure the sustainable development of groundwater resources but also pave the way for improved management practices across the country. I commend AWDROP for their unwavering commitment to this cause," Mohammed stated.
AWDROP President, Prof. Ipoola A. Okunlola, lauded the visionary leadership of the NIHSA Director General, attributing the swift progress of the project to his dedication.
“This project began just a month ago, and it is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the DG NIHSA that we are gathered here today to formalize this landmark partnership. This MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter for both AWDROP and NIHSA, as we join forces to promote sustainable groundwater practices,” Prof. Okunlola remarked.
The partnership addresses critical challenges in Nigeria's water sector, including unregulated drilling practices, over-exploitation of groundwater, and the urgent need for improved regulatory frameworks. By combining efforts, NIHSA and AWDROP aim to drive innovative solutions and increase public awareness about groundwater conservation.
This MoU serves as a rallying call for stakeholders in Nigeria’s water sector, underscoring the collective responsibility of ensuring that groundwater resources are utilized sustainably to meet both current and future demands. Both NIHSA and AWDROP have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering sustainable development and delivering tangible benefits to communities across the nation.
Tags
News