The 2024 International Water Association (IWA) Conference, held in Toronto, Canada, concluded in grand style, with Nigeria making significant strides in its water and sanitation agenda. The Nigerian delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, actively participated in a range of activities, including bilateral and multilateral engagements, furthering Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable water management.
The conference, which brought together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders in the water sector, focused on critical issues of sustainability in water supply and sanitation, as well as the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Discussions centered on strategies for adaptation and effective management of water resources, aligning perfectly with the Honourable Minister’s vision of repositioning Nigeria’s water sector to meet the demands of the future.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change on water availability and sanitation, the Honourable Minister emphasized the importance of innovative solutions and international collaboration to address these challenges. The engagements at the IWA conference provided a platform for Nigeria to exchange ideas with other nations and organizations, strengthening partnerships that will drive progress in the sector.
In recognition of his leadership and commitment to advancing water resources management in Nigeria and the West African region, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev is poised to ascend to the Vice Presidency of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) for the West African Region in February 2025. This forthcoming role underscores Nigeria’s increasing influence and leadership in the regional water sector.
The Honourable Minister expressed his gratitude for the support and active participation of the Nigerian delegation at the IWA conference and reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to implementing the outcomes of the conference to achieve sustainable water and sanitation services for all Nigerians.
Signed
Richard Pheelangwah
Permanent Secretary
