The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has expressed its readiness to strengthen its partnership with environmental journalists to improve public awareness on healthy environment, water resources management, and flood forecasting. Director-General of NIHSA, Architect Umar Muhammed, made this statement while hosting the Executive Council of Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) led by its chairman, Joycelyn Ellekeche Adah. Muhammed emphasized the importance of collaboration between NIHSA and the media in disseminating critical information to the public.
Muhammed highlighted the critical role of effective water resources management in preventing water scarcity, contamination, and outbreaks of water-related diseases. He warned against poor environmental management and contamination of water sources, which could have serious public health consequences. According to him, human activities significantly contribute to the pollution of streams and other water bodies. Muhammed stressed that the media remained an important partner in helping NIHSA reach vulnerable communities with timely and accurate information.
The NIHSA boss noted that the agency needed organizations like EMCAN to interface with the public and ensure that quality information on water resources and early warning systems gets to those who need it. He expressed willingness to partner with EMCAN on specialized training programs that would equip journalists with the technical knowledge required to accurately report hydrological and environmental issues. This partnership aims to enhance public awareness and understanding of hydrological information in preventing disasters.
Earlier, EMCAN had informed NIHSA of its plans to cover the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) scheduled to hold in Türkiye. The association appealed to NIHSA to support its participation in the global climate conference, particularly through sponsorship for two to three members. EMCAN Chairman, Joycelyn Ellekeche Adah, explained that the association had commenced efforts to raise funds but was seeking support from relevant government agencies and environmental organizations.
Special Assistant on Media to NIHSA, Mr. Yakub Aliyu, stressed the importance of closer collaboration with environmental journalists, particularly in publicity and capacity building. He noted that Nigeria faces both water scarcity and excess water challenges, including flooding, while contamination of water sources remains another major concern. Aliyu expressed NIHSA's interest in partnering with EMCAN to enhance public awareness and understanding of hydrological information.
Muhammed, however, explained that NIHSA operates within a statutory funding framework and could not give a definite commitment to EMCAN's request for sponsorship. He noted that the agency was already collaborating with international development partners and would explore opportunities that could accommodate additional participation. Muhammed expressed willingness to consider EMCAN's request if slots become available.
The partnership between NIHSA and EMCAN aims to improve public awareness on water resources management, flood forecasting, and early warning systems. Key aspects of the partnership include providing timely and accurate information to vulnerable communities and enhancing the capacity of journalists to report on hydrological and environmental issues. The collaboration is expected to contribute to preventing water-related diseases and promoting a healthy environment in Nigeria.
Key points
- NIHSA partners with environmental journalists to raise awareness on water diseases and management.
- The partnership aims to prevent water scarcity, contamination, and outbreaks of water-related diseases.
- NIHSA and EMCAN to collaborate on specialized training programs for journalists.
