The Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Bank have jointly launched a strategic blueprint aimed at rehabilitating and protecting the nation’s rapidly shrinking water bodies, authorities say.
The initiative part of a comprehensive programme to address environmental degradation, climate change impacts and water scarcity was unveiled during a ministerial meeting in Abuja, with officials highlighting the urgent need to reverse the decline of lakes, rivers and other freshwater systems across the country.
According to the blueprint, the joint effort will focus on:
- Restoration and sustainable management of water bodies, including dredging, reforestation of catchment areas and pollution control.
- Community‑based conservation and livelihood support for those dependent on fisheries, farming and other water‑linked economic activities.
- Strengthening institutional capacity for environmental monitoring and enforcement.
- Investment in research and technology to better monitor water levels, quality and climate impacts.
The World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria said the blueprint was designed to mobilise financing and technical support to implement priority interventions that will protect Nigeria’s freshwater ecosystems and support sustainable development goals.
Officials stressed that declining water bodies driven by climate change, pollution, unsustainable farming practices and rapid urbanisation pose threats to food security, health and economic activities, particularly in northern and central states where drought and desertification are most pronounced.
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