The Federal Government (FG) in partnership with UNESCO, has inaugurated the UNESCO Chair in Integrated Flood Management and Water Resources, aimed at addressing the country’s pressing flood and water resource challenges.
Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director of Information and Public Relations in a statement said the initiative, housed at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, seeks to bolster food security, sustainable livelihoods, and resilience through innovative flood management strategies and capacity building.
The inauguration workshop, held in Abuja on December 4-5 brought together key stakeholders in water resource management.
Speaking, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, emphasised the critical role of research and knowledge in tackling the increasing frequency of floods driven by climate change.

Mr Utsev highlighted the need for evidence-based solutions and the development of tools such as early warning systems and multi-hazard response strategies to mitigate flood risks.
“The UNESCO Committee provides a collaborative platform for advancing research, training, and disseminating critical knowledge to guide government actions and implement best practices,” Mr Utsev stated.
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He lauded UNESCO for its unwavering support in advancing water science and urged workshop participants to propose innovative solutions for sustainable water management.
Representing UNESCO, Albert Mendy, on behalf of Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of the UNESCO Abuja Office, stressed the role of water in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food security.
He called for urgent attention to the impacts of climate change on water resources.
The Chairman of the National IHP Committee, Onemayin Jimoh, reiterated the importance of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s water management challenges.
He underlined the need for effective management of catchment areas and groundwater resources to ensure resilience and sustainable water use.
Goodwill messages were delivered by notable stakeholders, including the Director Generals of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), as well as representatives from the Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), UNESCO IHP Secretariat, and Federal University of Technology, Minna.
The UNESCO Chair will focus on improving the understanding of the Niger Basin’s hydrological systems, developing innovative flood management tools, and raising awareness through web-based platforms.
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It also aims to equip policymakers with knowledge for informed decision-making, fostering capacity building in the water and environmental sectors.
The initiative is expected to provide a knowledge-based foundation for mitigating the devastating impacts of floods in Nigeria while promoting sustainable water resource management.