The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, is representing Nigeria at the 14th Ordinary Session of the Governing Council of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), holding today in Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
The high-level continental meeting, which brings together African Ministers responsible for water, sanitation, and related sectors, marks a historic milestone with the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and its accompanying Policy Framework, and the official launch of its implementation. The Vision aligns with the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure water security, safe sanitation, and resilient ecosystems for Africa’s future.
In its communique, the AMCOW Governing Council reaffirmed its commitment to the domestication and implementation of the Africa Water Vision 2063 (AWV 2063) at national and regional levels; Strengthened financial sustainability through an increase in statutory contributions from Member States to enhance AMCOW’s operational capacity and continental ownership; the development of the AMCOW Business Plan 2026–2030, the Triennial Work Programme and Budget 2026–2028, and the Strategic Programme on Groundwater for Water Security and Resilience in Africa (SPGWR) 2026–2033; and convening of an International Conference on Financing the Africa Water Vision 2063 in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2026 respectively.
The Council also tasked the AMCOW Secretariat, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and development partners, to submit the adopted Africa Water Vision 2063 to the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in February 2026 for endorsement as Africa’s common position and input to the United Nations 2026 Water Conference.
Speaking during the session,Prof. Utsev commended AMCOW’s leadership and reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to the Africa Water Vision 2063, noting that its successful implementation will accelerate progress toward SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), drive climate resilience, improve public health, and boost economic growth across the continent.
“The Africa Water Vision 2063 is a bold and transformative framework that reflects the aspirations of our continent for water security, safe sanitation, and sustainable development. Nigeria stands ready to work with fellow Member States to translate this vision into actionable programmes for the benefit of our people,” the Minister stated.
Nigeria’s participation underscores the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to champion integrated water resources management, climate-smart sanitation systems, and regional cooperation as critical drivers of economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Honourable Minister is joined by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside other African Ministers, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (AUC-DARBE), development partners, and key stakeholders.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
29/9/2025
