The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has declared open the 2025 National WASH Systems Learning Forum in Abuja, a strategic gathering aimed at strengthening mechanisms for sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery across Nigeria. The Minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah.
In his keynote address on Thursday 20th November, the Minister emphasized the Forum’s theme, “Change Mechanisms and Measuring Change,” noting that the event comes at a pivotal time shortly after Nigeria hosted the Maiden National Sanitation Conference. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to safely managed, climate-resilient WASH services in line with SDG 6.
Prof. Utsev highlighted significant achievements, including the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in two States and 158 LGAs, as well as the development of climate-resilient WASH design standards. He stressed, however, that sustaining these gains requires deeper systemic reforms built on strong institutions, adequate financing, innovation, accountability, and robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems.
He also raised key sector concerns such as unreliable data, incomplete operationalization of the WASH Information Management System (WASHIMS), and gaps created by the non-routine conduct of WASHNORM since 2021. He called on stakeholders to use the Forum as a platform to address these gaps and explore transformative strategies for strengthening national and sub-national systems.
“Change does not happen by chance,” he noted. “It is the result of deliberate design, collective action, and mutual accountability.”
Delivering the opening remarks, Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah, who was represented by the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, welcomed delegates from across Nigeria and beyond, emphasizing the need to translate the resolutions of the recent National Sanitation Conference into measurable frameworks, smarter financing, enforceable regulations, and stronger monitoring systems across all levels of government. He urged participants to collaborate closely and bring their expertise to bear to ensure that no community is left behind in accessing safe sanitation, proper hygiene, and potable water.
Representing Self Help Africa, Country Director Mrs. Joy Aderele underscored the importance of partnership-driven change. She highlighted the success of the WASH Systems for Health Programme in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, noting that strengthened systems and enhanced capacities are supporting long-term community resilience.
“Real change does not happen in isolation,” she stated. “It happens when people come together with shared purpose and commitment. Together, we have the power to shape a future where safe water and sanitation are everyday realities for all.”
While celebrating progress, Mrs. Aderele acknowledged that significant work remains and encouraged delegates to exchange insights, confront challenges boldly, and work together to build stronger, more resilient systems for generations to come.
The Forum, organized in collaboration with Self Help Africa, IRC WASH, and the FCDO, with support from UNICEF, the World Bank, WaterAid, and other development partners, also had in attendance the WASH Ambassador, Engr. Ebele Okeke; and other eminent Water Resources Stakeholders and representatives from the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone. The gathering is expected to facilitate experience-sharing, peer learning, and cross-country exchange, particularly between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
In addition to the keynote address, goodwill messages were delivered by the Director of Water Supply, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation; representatives of WaterAid; NEWSAN; and the Minister of Water Resources of Sierra Leone. Further insights into the objectives and expectations of the Forum were presented by the FCDO, the Consortium Manager, and the WASH Facility, each underscoring the importance of data-driven action, collaboration, and systems strengthening for sector transformation.
Prof. Utsev officially declared the Forum open, expressing confidence that its outcomes will guide policy, strengthen coordination, and advance Nigeria’s drive toward sustainable and inclusive WASH services for all.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
20 November, 2025
