Africa Press-Nigeria:
The launch of the United Nations CEO Water Mandate in Nigeria was hosted by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group [NESG], as part of pre-summit events leading up to the 26th Nigerian Economic Summit. This is to galvanize the private sector to actively commit to improving water resources management for sustainable use for businesses and individual consumption.
The CEO Water Mandate was officially launched by Mr. Asue Ighodalo, Chairman of the NESG, who, in his address, stated, ‘’Today’s event marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) as it underscores our mission to be an enabling platform for mobilising the private sector to tackle challenging economic and social issues which confront our nation.’’
This mandate is a UN Global Compact initiative that mobilises business leaders on water, sanitation, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Endorsers of the CEO Water Mandate commit to continuous progress against six core elements of stewardship and in so doing understand and manage their own water risks. Presently, 175 companies, globally, have endorsed the mandate.
Engineer Suleiman Hussein Adamu, Federal Minister for Water Resources, in his keynote address, noted that there has been a decline in investments to water supply infrastructure by the state governments; therefore, there is a need for private sector participation.
On the need for private sector participation, working with the government agencies, Mr. Laoye Jaiyeola, CEO of the NESG affirmed that Nigeria will need to invest at least 1.7% of our GDP, annually, to prevent Nigeria becoming water stressed.
