FG, IAEA to partner in surface, ground water Dev
Federal government and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are to partner in surface and ground water resources research development in Nigeria.
The Agriculture and Water Resources Minister, Alhaji Adamu Bello, disclosed this when received the head of African section technical Committee of the Agency, Mr Mulugeta Amha, who paid him a courtesy visit.
He said the Federal government had since integrated its Isotope Hydrology Techniques as part of the management of the nations water resources.
“Our responsibility is to provide the enabling environment for agricultural production and make water available in adequate quantity and quality to Nigerians,’’ he said.
Bello said the technical cooperation with the Agency would facilitate the function and performance of River Basins Development Authorities ,Universities and other relevant institutions in the water sector.
He said the provision of Flame Photo metre, High performance Liquid Ion Chromatograph and Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer equipment by the Agency was an indication of a strong partnership.
The minister said that the ministry had completed two isotope base projects at Wurno in Sokoto and Chad Basin Aquifers covering Borno and Yobe in collaboration with stakeholders.
“ There are two other on-going projects in Lullemeden Basin covering Sokoto , Kebbi Zamfara , Katsina, Middle belt and South Eastern Nigeria,’’Bello said.
He thanked the Agency for supporting Nigerian development and assured Federal government commitment in the partnership.
Earlier, Amha told the Minster that they were in Nigeria to seek for more technical partnership in water sector.
“ IAEA believes that Nigeria stands to gain a lot in the nuclear science programme and we are ready to support it ,’’ he assured.
He commended federal government for its initiatives in various water programmes.