Water engineers have called for climate-resilient solutions to Nigeria’s growing water crisis, urging professionals and policymakers to adopt proactive measures that will guarantee sustainable access to safe and potable water.
The call was made on Tuesday at NSE House, Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a three-in-one programme organised by the Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers, Ogun State Chapter.
The event featured a public lecture, induction of new members and an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to the water sector.
Speaking on the theme, “Water and Climate Change: Us, the World Under Threat,” the keynote speaker, Ajiroba Sunday Oke, said climate change was increasingly threatening Nigeria’s water resources and communities.
Oke urged water engineers to move away from reactive approaches to water-related challenges and embrace proactive planning, innovation, digital data and modern engineering techniques capable of responding to the realities of a changing climate.
He said Nigeria could no longer continue to design water infrastructure based on the assumption of a stable and predictable climate, stressing that changing weather patterns required a fundamental rethink of the country’s water management strategies.
“Design your structures and policies not for the stable, predictable climate of the past century, but for the dynamic, volatile climate of tomorrow,” Oke told the newly inducted members.
He also stressed the importance of the Paris Agreement on climate change, which came into force on November 4, 2016, noting that the agreement requires countries to reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts and strengthen their climate commitments.
According to him, Nigeria needs to transform its national water strategy from one that responds to crises after they occur to one that anticipates climate-related challenges and develops solutions ahead of time.
Oke also called for greater collaboration among water professionals, government agencies, research institutions and other stakeholders, saying bureaucratic silos could hinder efforts to develop effective and sustainable solutions.
He described water engineers as important players in Nigeria’s climate resilience and national security, urging them to see their professional responsibilities beyond routine administrative duties.
Representing the National Chairman of NIWE, Prof. Adeyinka Sobowale, said the institute remained committed to supporting government and other stakeholders in improving access to potable water across the country.
Sobowale said NIWE would continue to provide professional expertise whenever required, particularly in initiatives aimed at strengthening water supply systems and ensuring access to safe water.
The Ogun State Chairman of NIWE, Engr. Omoba Adewale Adegoke Adekunle, described the gathering as an important platform for professionals to deliberate on Nigeria’s water challenges and possible solutions.
Adekunle said the keynote lecture had challenged water professionals to intensify their efforts towards meeting the water needs of Nigerians, particularly the provision of potable and healthy water.
He assured residents of Ogun State that water professionals in the state were prepared to deploy their expertise to improve access to safe water across communities.
“We are ready to catch it. The issue of getting water to the nooks and crannies, the issue of getting potable, healthy water and water without problems, this is what we do as water professionals,” Adekunle said.
He added that the Ogun State chapter would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to develop practical solutions capable of improving water access for residents.
Water engineers have called for climate-resilient solutions to Nigeria’s growing water crisis, urging professionals and policymakers to adopt proactive measures that will guarantee sustainable access to safe and potable water.
The call was made on Tuesday at NSE House, Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a three-in-one programme organised by the Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers, Ogun State Chapter.
The event featured a public lecture, induction of new members and an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to the water sector.
Speaking on the theme, “Water and Climate Change: Us, the World Under Threat,” the keynote speaker, Ajiroba Sunday Oke, said climate change was increasingly threatening Nigeria’s water resources and communities.
Oke urged water engineers to move away from reactive approaches to water-related challenges and embrace proactive planning, innovation, digital data and modern engineering techniques capable of responding to the realities of a changing climate.
He said Nigeria could no longer continue to design water infrastructure based on the assumption of a stable and predictable climate, stressing that changing weather patterns required a fundamental rethink of the country’s water management strategies.
“Design your structures and policies not for the stable, predictable climate of the past century, but for the dynamic, volatile climate of tomorrow,” Oke told the newly inducted members.
He also stressed the importance of the Paris Agreement on climate change, which came into force on November 4, 2016, noting that the agreement requires countries to reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts and strengthen their climate commitments.
According to him, Nigeria needs to transform its national water strategy from one that responds to crises after they occur to one that anticipates climate-related challenges and develops solutions ahead of time.
Oke also called for greater collaboration among water professionals, government agencies, research institutions and other stakeholders, saying bureaucratic silos could hinder efforts to develop effective and sustainable solutions.
He described water engineers as important players in Nigeria’s climate resilience and national security, urging them to see their professional responsibilities beyond routine administrative duties.
Representing the National Chairman of NIWE, Prof. Adeyinka Sobowale, said the institute remained committed to supporting government and other stakeholders in improving access to potable water across the country.
Sobowale said NIWE would continue to provide professional expertise whenever required, particularly in initiatives aimed at strengthening water supply systems and ensuring access to safe water.
The Ogun State Chairman of NIWE, Engr. Omoba Adewale Adegoke Adekunle, described the gathering as an important platform for professionals to deliberate on Nigeria’s water challenges and possible solutions.
Adekunle said the keynote lecture had challenged water professionals to intensify their efforts towards meeting the water needs of Nigerians, particularly the provision of potable and healthy water.
He assured residents of Ogun State that water professionals in the state were prepared to deploy their expertise to improve access to safe water across communities.
“We are ready to catch it. The issue of getting water to the nooks and crannies, the issue of getting potable, healthy water and water without problems, this is what we do as water professionals,” Adekunle said.
He added that the Ogun State chapter would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to develop practical solutions capable of improving water access for residents.
The programme also provided an opportunity for NIWE to induct new members into the professional body, with the inductees urged to uphold professional standards and contribute meaningfully to efforts to address the country’s water and climate challenges.
The event ended with the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s water sector, underscoring the need for sustained professional excellence in tackling the country’s potable water and climate resilience challenges.
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