The Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, led delegation of management staff on a courtesy visit to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to explore potential collaboration in sustainable water resource management and industrial development.
UNIDO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, is dedicated to promoting industrial development to reduce poverty, foster inclusive globalization, and advance environmental sustainability. The visit is part of NIHSA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with international organizations in addressing Nigeria’s growing water resource challenges.
During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for joint initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s capacity in hydrological data management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development practices.
Mr. Stephen Jabo, Director of Hydrogeophysics at NIHSA, provided an overview of the agency’s operations and objectives.
The Director General emphasized the importance of leveraging UNIDO’s expertise in industrial development to support Nigeria’s water resource management, particularly in the context of climate resilience and environmental sustainability. He highlighted the significant role that UNIDO’s technical assistance could play in addressing critical issues such as flooding, drought, and the effective management of the nation’s water systems.
“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,”
Umar Ibrahim Mohammed stated.
“This partnership will contribute to achieving national goals related to water security, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.”
In response, Dr. Osuji Otu, UNIDO National Programme Officer, expressed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts through capacity-building initiatives, the sharing of technical expertise, and fostering research and development in water resource management.
He further suggested that the collaboration could extend to environmental management and energy development, including the construction of small hydropower stations in certain Nigerian states, with NIHSA playing a key role in the initiative.
Both parties agreed to explore specific areas of collaboration, such as the use of technology for improved data collection and analysis, as well as joint projects in water-related industries.
The meeting also served as a platform to discuss how UNIDO’s sustainable industrial development programs could complement NIHSA’s mandate in managing Nigeria’s hydrological resources, while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
This visit marks a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s hydrological and environmental challenges.
NIHSA is hopeful that this collaboration will lead to concrete outcomes that will benefit both the country’s water management systems and broader industrial development goals.
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