The Federal Government has called for collective efforts from states and key stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector to accelerate the disbursement of World Bank support funds for improved water and sanitation services in the country.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this call today during the opening of the midterm review workshop for the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, held in Abuja.
Professor Utsev expressed concern over the slow implementation of the programme and urged states and key stakeholders to take immediate action to meet their commitments.
The Minister explained that the $700 million SURWASH programme is a bold and ambitious initiative with a six-year implementation period, effective from February 14, 2022, to June 30, 2027. The programme is being implemented in seven participating states: Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau. Its aim is to strengthen sector policies and institutions for improved services and to address water and sanitation challenges in both urban and rural areas.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration with the World Bank—especially in the areas of technical expertise, financial support, and global experience—would facilitate the smooth implementation of the programme in Nigeria.
Professor Utsev also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the programme’s implementation and to the World Bank team for their sustained partnership.
He reminded participants that the review workshop serves as a platform to reflect on progress made thus far and to critically evaluate the challenges ahead, ensuring that the country remains on track to achieve the programme’s goals.
In his remarks, the Director of Water Supply, Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, stated that the programme aims to provide 6.1 million Nigerians from the participating states with clean and safe water, equip 500 communities with sanitation facilities, and improve sanitation services in schools. A Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist with the World Bank, Awa Diagne, speaking on behalf of the Bank’s Country Director, reiterated that the goal is to empower countries in need of water and sanitation services and to ensure that no community in Nigeria is left behind in sustainable development.
Terhemen Oraduen
Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister
