FG, state govts urged to update, enforce laws protecting wetlands

The Federal and State Government Agencies charged with the responsibilities of water resources management and development have been urged to update and enforce laws that protect wetlands from encroachment and unstainable practices. This was part of the consensus reached after extensive deliberations and visit to Baturiya wetland by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission […]

The Federal and State Government Agencies charged with the responsibilities of water resources management and development have been urged to update and enforce laws that protect wetlands from encroachment and unstainable practices.

This was part of the consensus reached after extensive deliberations and visit to Baturiya wetland by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Abuja, for physical observation and analysis.

This is contained in a statement by Fatimah Yusuf, Head of Press and Public Relations, NIWRMC.

The Acting Executive Director, NIWRMC, Mrs. Sakinatu Suleiman Abbo Jimeta, during the Committee meeting said the wetlands assessment was an important part of the wetland policy and the overall aim of the assessment is to examine the values that the wetlands provide and its human benefits.

She added that a range of assessment types have been developed, each within its own focus and applicability, ranging from hydrological, biological, functional and integrated assessments to vulnerability assessment.

Mrs Jimeta noted that “the focus of this assessment is on a preliminary scale which helps determine the potentials or threats posed on this particular wetland, Baturiya Hydrology, which is our major concern as it borders on our mandate as a Commission, as well as the biological and soil compositions which highlight features of a wetland.

“These will help guide relevant conservation plans and management to be administered on this wetland. The aim is to use this year for preliminary assessment of Baturiya wetland which would give the basis for threats and potential identification, status determination, gap analysis and other relevant information that would serve as basis for appropriate responses and interventions.”

Other resolutions reached include: “Stakeholders Engagement: The stakeholders should be involved in the design and implementation processes for sustainable use of wetlands resources.

“Collaboration, Coordination and Communication: Members of the Committee are to partner with local, national and international organizations with vested interest in management and development of water and biodiversity resources for technical and financial support to implement wetland conservation projects and also create awareness.

“The need for a Positive Political will: The respective tiers of Government should show a positive political will in resolving matters relating to water resources management and development.

“Wetland Restoration: Restoration projects will be initiated in degraded wetland catchment areas with the Hadejia-Nguru and other wetlands in Nigeria as priority sites.”

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to proffering solutions in protecting Nigeria’s wetlands for the benefit of current and future generations.