Engr. Michael Ale, co-founder of the Global Initiative for Nigeria Development, advised the Federal Government to address the impending flood before declaring a state of emergency for the nation’s food security.
The water expert argued that water justice is crucial for sustainable and equitable food security in response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent state of emergency declaration, as announced by his Special Adviser on Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake.
While thanking President Tinubu for his consideration, Mr. Micheal Ale emphasized the need for a change in approach across ministries, stating that it cannot be “business as usual.”
“Stakeholders invited and those not yet invited should be ready to play their role selflessly.”
“State of emergency overrides other instructions and laid down principles, thus bypassing usual bureaucracy. But what can man do without water?”
“The National Security Council should invite the Water Association for their contribution.”
“Conjunctive use of both surface and groundwater is critical for sustainable food security and job creation.”
“Engaging stakeholders in the water sector especially practitioners within the Master drillers group like AWDROP will safeguard the fund allotted for the project in food security.”
Ale went on to say that it was important to include these stakeholders in the effort to supply accessible water for irrigation and daily life.
cc: Vanguard Ng
