The Federal Government has inaugurated a Ministerial Technical Working Committee for the development of the National Water Compact as part of renewed efforts to strengthen sustainable water governance and improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Nigeria.
The inauguration ceremony which was performed by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev FNSE today at the Conference Room of the Ministry in Abuja, marks a significant step toward deepening integrated water resources management, enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration, and aligning Nigeria’s water sector reforms with international best practices.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Utsev, described the proposed National Water Compact as a strategic framework that will provide a clear roadmap for sustainable development within the nation’s water sector.
According to the Minister, the initiative is expected to define practical and coordinated measures aimed at strengthening water governance, improving institutional efficiency, and expanding equitable access to water and sanitation services nationwide.
He stressed the importance of synergy among relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, sub-national governments, and other critical stakeholders in ensuring the successful development and implementation of the Compact.
The Minister further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary institutional coordination and technical support required for the successful delivery of the assignment. He also appreciated the contributions and support of development partners and stakeholders toward the initiative.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, described the Committee as a critical component of Nigeria’s commitment at the African Union level toward strengthening water security and sanitation service delivery across Africa.
She disclosed that the National Water Compact is expected to be finalized before December 2026. She therefore urged members of the Committee to remain focused on developing a realistic, comprehensive, and implementable framework capable of addressing the country’s water challenges.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee and Director of Water Supply and Support Services in the Ministry, Mr. Babarinde Segun Mukaila, noted that the Compact would play a vital role in strengthening water institutions, improving climate resilience, and identifying priority interventions necessary for sustainable sectoral growth.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Development Partners Group, Dr. Chidera Chukwu commended the Ministry for the initiative and reaffirmed the commitment of partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, and WaterAid, to supporting the successful implementation of the National Water Compact.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s water governance architecture and accelerate progress toward achieving sustainable and inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene services for all citizens.
Also present at the inauguration were representatives of the Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Women Affairs, and Environment.
The high point of the event was the formal inauguration of the Ministerial Technical Working Committee by the Honourable Minister, alongside the presentation of the Committee’s Terms of Reference by the Permanent Secretary.
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and Public Relations
12/05/2026
