The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), to propel the Water Resources and Sanitation Sector towards achieving its objectives.
This declaration was made by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, during a meeting with NESG members at his office in Abuja, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Prof. Utsev stressed the significance of private sector engagement in realizing the Ministry’s goals and commended the NESG for its contributions to Nigeria’s development.
He pledged to collaborate closely with NESG to accelerate the implementation of Water Resources and Sanitation mandate to take Nigeria to the next level in tandem with the Agenda of the present administration.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, the team lead, recalled the inception of the first summit, where the government and private sector jointly established six fundamental principles, including democracy, national interest governance, the rule of law, enabling business environment, private sector commitment, and free enterprise, as the basis for a modern economy.
He highlighted the pivotal role of the summit in driving transformation in Nigeria, including the conceptualization of GSM, pension reform, liberalization of the maritime sector, and numerous development plans.
Dr. Aduloju affirmed the private sector’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in implementing strategic commitment to fulfill the current Administration’s mandate by attracting substantial international investments and transforming Water Resources into a valuable asset.
Mr. Gabriel Ekanem, Thematic Head for Water and Sanitation under the Infrastructure Policy Commission of NESG, elaborated on NESG’s previous collaborations with the Ministry.
According to him, these collaborations encompassed areas such as water supply, data collection, the Water Resources master plan, and regulatory frameworks for Water Resources Management.
In attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, OON, mni, and several Directors from the Ministry.
Funmi Imuetinyan
Head, Press and PR
Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
