Rule Nigeria out of 2020 global water scarcity – Expert

By Umar Bayo Abdulwahab

Ilorin

An associate professor of water resources and environmental engineering with the University of Ilorin, Engr Saheed Adeniyi Aremu, has said the predicted water scarcity in 2020 would not affect Nigeria.
Nonetheless, the expert said the nation would still not take chances as measures were being put in place to forestall any eventuality.
In two recent reports, the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) said current water usage will lead to water scarcity affecting 30-40 per cent of the world by 2020, and a global shortage by 2040.
The reports, “Capturing synergies between water conservation and carbon dioxide emissions in the power sector” and “A clash of competing necessities; water adequacy and electric reliability in China, India, France, and Texas,” were completed by researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark, Vermont Law School and CNA Corporation in the US and published on the CNA website.
Commenting on the prediction, Adeniyi, who is the managing director, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin, specifically said government had put in place short term, middle term and long term measures to “opitimise the use of water” for the benefit of all.
He made the disclosures while speaking with our correspondent in Ilorin.
He said: “Yes, that is our focus now. In view of the increase in population, there will be water scarcity. It is true .That is why we have the short term, medium term and long term goals to meet that target. So, we have known an impending danger, now it is for us to work before it happens.
“I don’t think we will have scarcity because Nigeria is endowed with surface water, water that can be used for different purposes. We know that more that 70 per cent of the earth surface is made up of water, but it is not evenly distributed. So, Nigeria has its own fair share of water. Ours therefore, is to really optimise the use of water and that is why the government has created the River Basin Development Authority so that you manage the water.”

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