Minister of Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed has stated
that the federal government will continue pushing for the passage of the water
resources bill into law.
Firing back at critics who accused the federal government of
seeking the control of water, usage and its resources, Lai Mohammed alleged the
water resources bill critics are "anti-people" and also being
mischevious.
The Minister insisted that the bill is a consolidation of
four existing laws aimed at the efficient management of water resources in the
country.
He said;
“Gentlemen, there is nothing new about the National Water
Resources Bill. This is because it is an amalgamation of Water Resources Laws
that have been in existence for a long time.
“These are; Water Resources Act, Cap W2 LFN 2004, River
Basin Development Authority Act, Cap R9 LFN 2004, the Nigeria Hydrological
Services Agency(Establishment) Act, Cap
N1100A, LFN 2004; National Water Resources Institute Act,
Cap N83 LFN 2004
“So, why are the laws being repackaged as the National Water
Resources Bill 2020? The answer is that they are being re-enacted with
necessary modifications to bring them in line with current global trends as
well as best practices in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
“The overall objective of this amalgamation is the efficient
management of the water resources sector for the economic development of
Nigeria and the wellbeing of its citizens.
“Contrary to what is being perpetuated, water resources in a
state that do not go beyond the particular state are not regulated by this bill.
“You can now see that many of those condemning the National
Water Resources Bill 2020 either have not read it or do not understand its
provisions. Also, we cannot rule out deliberate mischief by some of those who
have been portraying the Bill as a new source of conflict.
“We are therefore using this opportunity to appeal to
Nigerians to avail themselves of the provisions of the bill to avoid being
misled by those who have chosen to politicise it.
“We also want to state that the bill is for the good of the nation, and has no hidden agenda whatsoever.”
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