The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to collaborate with UNESCO in addressing the pressing issues of flooding, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services in Nigeria.
This commitment was reiterated during a courtesy visit to the Minister by UNESCO’s Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Abdourahammanne Diallo and members of UNESCO entities,in Abuja today.
The Minister urged UNESCO to collaborate with Nigeria in the area of flood management, emphasizing that this issue comes with hazards that negatively affect both the people and the economy. He added that UNESCO’s package for Nigeria and Africa is fundamental in the areas of flood management, water supply, water quality components, irrigation, and hydrology, among others.
The Honourable Minister emphasized the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between the Ministry and UNESCO to advance groundwater management. He revealed that the Clean Nigeria Campaign initiative of the Federal government, which aims to achieve the ambitious goal of making the country open defecation-free by the year 2025, is an ongoing national campaign. He added that the Ministry will collaborate with UNESCO to propagate the campaign, build more toilets, and increase sensitization among the people.
Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev highlighted the criticality of water conservation and called for increased collaboration between the Ministry and UNESCO in preparation for the upcoming World Water Day, slated for March 22 this year.
During the visit, Mr. Abdourahammanne Diallo, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, emphasized the crucial role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in the nation’s well-being.
He congratulated Nigeria on its progress within the UNESCO Intergovernmental Programmes and assured ongoing support from UNESCO to assist the Ministry in achieving its mandate in alignment with the change agenda of Mr. President.
Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Press and Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
