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Tag: Suleiman Adamu

  • NBA launches $300m AfDB fund for Niger Basin

    The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) has launched a 300-million-dollar fund with the African Development Bank (AfDB) for technical and environmental studies to protect the basin from the consequences of climate change.

    The Executive Secretary of NBA, Dr Abderahim Hamid, made this known on Friday at the opening of the 36th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of NBA in Abuja.

    The project, which is the Programme for the Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC), would promote the adaptation of mechanisms to manage the depletion of the basin.

    Hamid said that it was important for NBA member countries to make additional efforts through contributions and strengthening of human capacities towards improving the people’s livelihoods.

    “I would like to request for member countries’ political and financial support and their ownership of NBA actions, so as to create favourable conditions for the people, especially in efforts to engage the youth of the basin.”

    He pledged that the authority would continue to improve governance without forgetting the current difficulties in trans-boundary basin management.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, said that the degradation of the environment in the Niger River Basin and its impact on the natural resources were the major concerns of countries, adding that the solutions entailed strengthened cooperation.

    Read Also: ‘NBA committed to promoting electoral integrity’

    He said that the combined phenomena of climate change and population growth as well as irrational and abusive exploitation of natural resources had been having adverse consequences on the social-economic activities in the basin.

    Adamu said that it was saddening to note that the Niger Basin Area, with a population of more than 130 million, was facing myriad challenges despite its richness and its diversity.

    He underscored the need for the member countries to promote the development of the region by showing more commitment via the payment of their contributions.

    Adamu urged them to pursue programmes such as the implementation of major integration projects and the Silting Control Programme in the basin, among others.

    He also noted that programmes such as Reversing Land and Water Degradation Trends in the Niger Basin and the Water Resource Ecosystems Programme had been of great importance to the survival and development of the basin.

    The minister restated the commitment of the Federal Government to fast-tracking the development of the basin, so as to achieve the overall goal of improving the livelihoods of the residents of the area.

    News men reports that the Niger Basin Authority has nine-member countries – Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Chad.

    The population of the basin is approximately 130 million inhabitants and 70 per cent of the population is living in rural areas.

    Due to its ecological and socio-economic importance, the Niger Basin is crucial to the development of the sub-region.

    NAN

  • FG blames water shortage on population growth, climate change

    The Federal Government, says population growth and effects of climate change are some the factors causing shortage of supply of potable water.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, said this at a symposium to commemorate the 2018 World Water Day in Abuja.

    According to him, in spite of the accomplishments and enormous opportunities such as abundant freshwater, favourable weather, substantial human capacity available in the water sector, a lot of work still needed to be done.

    He said it was saddening to note that the current national access to water supply stood at 57 per cent, millions of Nigerians, especially in rural areas are still without access to improved drinking water sources.

    ‘‘The provision of water infrastructure is capital intensive, hence the need for a concerted effort by all stakeholders to overcome the challenges in the water sector.

    ‘‘Statistics have shown over the years that with the rapid increase in population growth, access to clean drinking water and sanitation steadily declines.

    ‘‘A lot of factors contribute to the water crises, such as climate change, poor management and a lot more, the most incriminating is the neglect of our ecosystem.

    ‘‘This has resulted in environmental damages such as floods, droughts, water pollution among others.

    ‘‘A worrying challenge is the declining percentage of Nigerians that are getting that water supply through piped networks, from 31 percent in 1990 to less than 7 percent in 2017.’’

    Adamu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Musa Ibrahim, said the result had shown that the remaining 93 per cent of Nigerians got water from other sources.

    He said it was evident in the drilling of boreholes with resultant consequences on the environment in urban areas and fetching of unclean water from streams and rivers in rural areas.

    The minister restated the Federal Government’s commitment towards formulating and implementing policies and programmes that will enable sustainable access to safe and sufficient water for all Nigerians.

    Mr Simone Grego, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative, said that drinking water resources was one of the major issues of the century globally.

    Grego, quoting a UN World Water Development Report, said globally, 3.6 billion people live in potentially water-scarce areas, saying this figure could rise to 5 billion by 2050, if nothing was done.

    According to him, 80 per cent of waste water returns to the ecosystem without being treated, saying this development was leading to degradation of the ecosystems causing ecological imbalances and water scarcity.

    Grego called for urgent solutions that would protect, manage and restore natural ecosystems that would respond to the human and ecological challenges being faced.

    ‘‘Planting new forests, reconnecting rivers to flood plains and restoring wetlands are solutions that will address contemporary water management issues,’’ he said.

    He pledged the commitment of UNESCO to support government’s transition to green economies and in programmes to implement better integrated water policies.

    Dr Chichi Okoye, WaterAid Country Director, said the SDG 6 commits the world to ensure that everyone has safe water by 2030, saying protecting the natural environment and reducing water pollution was imperative.

    She urged the Federal Government to prioritise water and sanitation by improving budget allocations to the sector.

    ‘‘The dire situation needs the highest level of government’s attention, especially in delivering water for the poorest and most marginalised people.

    ‘‘In addition to financing, we need an integrated approach to solving the water crises where water, sanitation and hygiene needs are integrated into health, education, nutrition and gender equality.

    ‘‘Without water, none of the UN Global Goals can be met,’’ she said.

    NAN

  • Cabinet members, staff celebrate Osinbajo’s 61st birthday

    Cabinet members, staff celebrate Osinbajo’s 61st birthday

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday celebrated his 61st birthday with cabinet members and his staff at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Among those who attended the brief ceremony at the Vice President’s wing included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma.

    Others are the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefuele, Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu.

    Also at the brief ceremony was the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang.

    The staff and the cabinet members sang birthday song for Osinbajo before he cut the cake at the count of 61.

    Osinbajo prayed that those who had come to celebrate with him that are yet to be 60 years, will live above 60 years while those above 60 years will see many more years.

    He said “I’m grateful to God for preserving my life. It’s just exciting to be one year older. I think we are gradually getting to that class who are called senior citizens and I in some way it places greater responsibility.

    “But I’m immensely grateful to God and thank everyone for the surprise.

    “I pray that our country will be greater and greater, that it will prosper and that we will experience true joy and true peace.” he stated

    Before Osinbajo cut the cake, Boss Mustapha said “We are gathered to share with you on this very auspicious day. Our prayer is that God will continue to watch over you, continue to fill you with wisdom and understanding, that at every point in time as you counsel with Mr. President you will give him Godly counsel, that he will depend on you for insights into the governance of this country and for those of us working with you, we will receive direction to take this country forward and to greater heights.”

     

     

  • FEC approves over N173. 45 billion for roads, power, other projects 

    FEC approves over N173. 45 billion for roads, power, other projects 

    After over six hours meeting, the Federal Executive Council ( FEC ) meeting on Wednesday approved over N 173.45 billion for projects covering roads, power, education, water, health among other projects.

    The Ministers of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu and FCT, Mohammed Bello briefed State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The projects approved include N38.69 billion power projects in nine universities and one teaching hospital, N5.6 billion for completion of Adada Dam project in Enugu State, N6. 5 billion for Galma Dam in Kaduna State.

    Read Also:  FEC okays N1.712 billion for FCT water pipeline contractor 

    Others include N6. 9 billion for textbooks distribution in schools, N62.06 billion road projects in Enugu State, N3.1 billion seaport vehicles, N3.9 Gulf of Guinea project.

    Also approved on Wednesday are N3.8 billion for Goodluck Jonathan expressway in Abuja and N26 billion for infrastructural development of WASA settlement site in Abuja.

    The Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed that the FEC which will continue on Thursday has gone half way in the over 40 memos for consideration.

  • FG approves N1.7bn for Gurara dam pipeline project

    FG approves N1.7bn for Gurara dam pipeline project

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the payment of  N1.712 billion for the contractor handling the 75-kilometre Gurara Dam water pipeline project in Niger State.

    The FEC meeting, which lasted for about four hours, was presided over by Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo.

    While briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting, the Minister of Water Resources Mr Suleiman Adamu, said, the memo was complimentary to the earlier one he presented at the last FEC meeting on Nov.22.

    Adamu said, the pipeline contract from Gurara Dam to lower Usuma dam was  for the laying of a three diameter pipeline.

    “Last week, we got approval to engage a contractor for one year and to have a training contract with the contractor so that we can prepare to handover the project to the FCT Administration.

    “So, this memo that was considered today has to do with the backlog of payment for the contractor because the contractor, as you are aware, has been maintaining the pipeline since the project was completed in 2008.”

    The Council also approved the sum of N1.5 billion on voluntary Assets Declaration to cover advertising campaign for nine  months.

    The Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who presented the memo, also briefed the FEC on the progress under the tax amnesty.

    She informed the council that there were individuals who are ready to declare and pay.

    “We have sent out over 500 letters under the first batch, there are thousands of Nigerians being targeted but the first 500 letters have gone out.

    “We have started getting responses back and many people are asking for time to pay. Most of the governors have agreed to give more time for people to make arrangements for payments.

    “This is indeed, a very good news for Nigeria as it will help reduce over reliance on oil.

    “So, whether oil prices are high or low, we will be able to provide basic services for our people. Very high net worth people are now being brought into the tax revenue profile and we hope to exceed the target that has been set.

    The Minister said, it was too early to give exact figure of the number of responses since the ministry had just started dispatching the letters on Monday.

    “But, we have a telephone line dedicated to the project and a lot of people have called in to express their readiness to cooperate.

    “We meet the governors just two days ago and they all agreed because personal income taxes are also going to the state government coffers.

    She said they also agreed to accommodate those who agreed they are owing but have not got the cash to pay.

    “Some people might have the house but  didn’t have the cash, we need to give them chances to bring this money and  we asked that they should give them time to bring in this money and they have agreed to do so.”

    She said that government was targeting 0ne billion dollars and had already realised 110 million dollars from two companies.

    She said government used information from land registries  of states governments and the FCT as well as Bank Verification Numbers and Corporate Affairs Commission to get those who are defaulting.

    “We also looked at people whose names appeared in the Panama and Paradise papers, we also looked at people who have companies but are not paying the right taxes,” Adeosun said.

    On the payment to Whistles blowers, the minister said, the Federal Government had earmark N421.3 million to pay the first batch of  beneficiaries.

    She said, the only condition necessary for payment was that the money would be paid to the Whistle-blower who signed the agreement with government not to any third party.

    “If we get the court judgement, we have to wait first three months to ensure that there are encumbrances as regards to any further legal challenge.

    “We get in touch with the state government where the person is domiciled, we pay the tax directly to the state and issue the tax receipt. So we built in these procedures to protect the whistle-blower.”

    NAN

  • FEC okays N1.712 billion for FCT water pipeline contractor 

    FEC okays N1.712 billion for FCT water pipeline contractor 

    The Federal Executive Council ( FEC ) meeting on Wednesday approved the payment of N1.712 billion for the contractor, SCC, which was maintaining 75 kilometer pipeline supplying water to the Federal Government.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the contractor remained on site maintaining the pipelines for over nine years without settlement.

    He disclosed that his Ministry and the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will settle the N1.712 billion equally.

     

    Details Later…

  • FG to consider legislation against open defecation – Suleiman Adamu

    FG to consider legislation against open defecation – Suleiman Adamu

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, says that the Federal Government is considering legislation against open defecation in the country.

    Adamu said this on Tuesday at an Inter-Ministerial Dialogue on Sanitation in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said a large number of Nigerians still practice open defecation due to the failure of landlords to provide toilets in their buildings.

    According to him, such laws will go a long way to address those who indiscriminately defecate in the open, forgetting that faeceas are transferable to foods and water.

    “We are looking at having a legislation to punish those practicing open defecation, this is important because it will serve as deterent to others and also encourage everyone to build and use their toilets.”

    He called on all Nigerians to promote behavior change in hygiene promotion, saying those practicing open defecation may soon face sanctions.

    The minister noted that open defecation has been known to be the leading cause of preventable deaths in under five children.

    He said there was the need to move away from dependence on budgetary allocations for promoting hygiene, saying Nigerians ought to understand that promoting health and hygiene is a great way to reduce disease burden.

    The minister noted that the understanding of the crosscutting role of Water Sanitation and Hygiene ( WASH ) sector and its impact on other sectors has made it imperative to foster a strong mechanism to address sanitation issues.

    Adamu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improve hygiene through the inauguration of the Partnership for Extended Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria to encourage stakeholders step up advocacy to promote improved livelihood.

    Dr Priscilla Achakpa, National Coordinator, Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) said no fewer than 46 million Nigerians practice open defecation.

    He said that children of the poor were four times more likely to get diarrhoea as against those of the rich.

    According to him, there is the need for all stakeholders to see sanitation as everyone’s business.

    “It is a cross sectoral issue that affects the social economic, health, wellbeing of individuals.”

    Achakpa said there was the need to build capacity of women, girls and other stakeholders on menstrual hygiene management and promotion of separate toilets for boys and girls to enable girls increase school attendance.

    Mr Emmanuel Awe, Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation with the ministry, said measures were on to harmonise the National Sanitation Policy towards overall hygiene promotion.

    Awe urged ministries to have separate budget line for promoting sanitation policies and programmes towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

    NAN

  • FG to Nigerians: Practice hand washing with soap

    FG to Nigerians: Practice hand washing with soap

    The Federal Government Monday urged Nigerians to practice hand washing with soap to prevent the spread of diseases.

    Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu said this on Monday to mark the 2017 Global Hand washing Day, in Abuja.

    About 99 primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participated in the event which had “Our hands, our future” as its theme.

    The minister said communication diseases like Ebola, Lassa fever and monkeypox could prevented by washing hands with soap.

    He added that Nigeria loses 59, 000 children annually to diarrhea and other diseases due to poor hygiene practices.

    The minister said: “Nigeria suffers from the ill effect of poor hygiene, recording 59,000 deaths of children before the age of 5 annually out of the 1.7 million cases recorded globally as a result of diarrhea, pneumonia, and other sanitation and hygiene repeated diseases.

    “This is as a result of the vulnerability of these little ones to these preventable diseases.

    “Adopting the behavior of hand washing with soap, is adjudged as one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent disease, cutting deaths from diarrhea by almost one half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by nearly one-quarter.

    “We know that the outbreak of many communicable diseases such as Ebola, Lassa fever and most recently the monkey pox virus can be contained with the simple act of hand washing with soap.”

    Earlier in his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Dr. Musa Ibrahim, said the figures of child death due to poor hygiene was alarming.

    Dr. Ibrahim, who said about 87 per cent of the population do not have access to hand washing facilities with soap, called for a change in behavior to make hand washing a habit.

    He said: “The statistics on the effects of poor hygiene is alarming, with over 59,000 children dying every year before the age of 5 of preventable diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia in Nigeria while 87% of the population do not have access to hand washing facilities with soap and water available.

    “While we recognize the importance of providing water, sanitation and hygiene (wash) facilities, it is also imperative to note that these facilities must be utilized to achieve the benefits.

    “Behavioral change is therefore essential for making hand washing a habit.

    “This event is also being replicated in 99 other primary schools across the 6 Area Councils of the FCT.”

  • 59, 000 children die annually from water diseases – Minister

    59, 000 children die annually from water diseases – Minister

    The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, said on Thursday that at least 59, 000 children under the age of five die annually in Nigeria from water and sanitation related diseases.

    Adamu stated this at a press briefing to celebrate the 2017 Global Handwashing Day in Abuja.

    This year’s programme has “Our hands, our future” as the theme.

    Adamu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Musa Ibrahim, said the death can be prevented by making handwashing with soap a habit.

    The minister said: “Handwashing with soap has been proved to be an affordable and effective way to help achieve health, well-being and productivity.

    “At least 59, 000 children under the age of five die annually in Nigeria from water and sanitation related diseases each year which can be prevented if we make handwashing a habit.

    “Handwashing with soap before eating and after using the toilet could save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention, cutting deaths from diarrhea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by a quarter. This can only be achieved if hand washing with soap is done consistently.”

    He also said 87 per cent of Nigerians do not have access to handwashing facilities with soap and water available.

    “We must ensure that our children have access to handwashing facilities at school and at home, and teach them good handwashing habits to keep them on track for a healthy future,” he added.

  • Only 31 per cent Nigerians have water in their homes – FG

    Only 31 per cent Nigerians have water in their homes – FG

    The Federal Government (FG) has said only 31 per cent of the population have access to improved water in their homes.

    The Federal Government said this in a report on Nigeria Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Poverty Diagnostic Report.

    The report was launched by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in Abuja.

    Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, said the sector faced significant challenges because of reduced numbers of Nigerians with access to improved water and sanitation.

    According to him, only 29 per cent of Nigerians have access to improved sanitation.

    The minister who said the National Water Supply and Sanitation policy of 2000 had not yielded results in 17 years, called for a review of the policy.

    “There is therefore the need for serious review of the policy with a view to fashioning out a better model that will enhance more collaborative efforts of all the three tiers of government as well as promote private sector participation and access to other sources of funding the urban water supply and sanitation,” he said.

    Osinbajo, said there is need for governments at all levels to work together to bridge the demand for water supply in urban areas.

    He said despite improvement in water coverage across the country, Nigeria still had a long way to go in providing access to reliable water supply for Nigerians.

    According to the vice president, the overall effective urban water supply is still below 50 per cent.

    He blamed this on poor maintenance and unreliability of supplies in urban areas.

    Osinbajo said: “Despite the giant strides that have been made the challenges are considerable and would require continuing resourcefulness and hard work.

    “Although the percentages of the urban and semi-urban population that have access to reliable water supply of acceptable quality have improved over the years there is still a rather long way to go.

    “Also the overall effective urban water supply coverage as a proportion of the total population due to poor maintenance and unreliability of supplies is still sub 50 percent. Our country is vast.

    “The rate and pace of urbanization is alarming, swift action, creativity and synergy on the part of governments at all levels is imperative to bridge the demand-supply gap in the urban areas.

    “The times we are in are both challenging and full of opportunities. Global best practices are more readily available, and the vibrancy of thought and action we have seen from the ministry and the water family already show a willingness to think outside the box.

    He said President Muhammadu Buhari did not merge the ministry in 2015 because of the vital role it plays.

    This, the vice president said, made the administration to prioritized water and sanitation infrastructure in its infrastructure development plans.

    He added that the government would take the outcome of the retreat serious in order to see that every Nigerian had access to affordable water supply and adequate sanitation.