The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with UNESCO and esteemed Development Partners, have on Friday 22nd March, 2024, underscored the critical importance of ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation for all Nigerians by 2030.
This was revealed at the Commemoration of 2024 World Water Day held in Abuja, with the theme”Water for Peace”, attended by key stakeholders including the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev and representatives from various Development Partners.
Highlighting the significance of accessibility to water for the economic growth of the country, Prof. Utsev emphasized the urgent need to implement robust policies and programs aimed at improving water supply and sanitation infrastructure. He underscored the Federal Government’s dedication to increasing investment in water resources projects and initiatives, with a focus on bridging the gap and ensuring universal access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene services across all socio-economic strata of the country.
He emphasized the paramount importance of water, noting that its value is significantly enhanced with proper hygiene and sanitation practices. He added that simultaneously addressing the challenges relating to Water Resources Management is vital to ensuring nationwide access, adequacy, and sustainability.
In advocating for an inclusive approach, the Honourable Minister highlighted the necessity of fostering equitable access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene services to advance social justice and collective prosperity. He emphasized that marginalized groups such as women, individuals with disabilities, and youths must not be overlooked nor sidelined.
Prof. Utsev revealed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has embarked on various initiatives aimed at enhancing funding for water resources projects. He noted that the Ministry has provided 6,761 water schemes in urban and semi-urban areas, and the established 10,568 sanitation facilities in 127 local government areas among many others.
During his presentation of the UN 2024 World Water Development Report, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of UNESCO, Abuja Office and Representative of UNESCO to Nigeria, maintained that the UN report illuminates the imperative of developing and maintaining a secure and equitable water future to foster prosperity and peace for all. He shed light on how poverty, inequality, social tensions, and conflicts exacerbates water insecurity and emphasized the interconnectedness between sustainable water management, prosperity, and peace.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Alh. Shehu Shinkafi represented by the Director Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Service, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr.Adeyinka Adenopo, in his welcome address emphasized that World Water Day 2024 underscores the urgent need to address the disparities in access to safe and clean water.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Hyoung Sub JI, Managing Director LG Electronics, West Africa LG reaffirmed commitment to addressing water scarcity by collaborating with Nigeria’s Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. He revealed that through initiatives like borehole donations, LG aims to improve water access, health, and sustainable development.
Highlights of the 2024 World Water Day celebration include a quiz for students hosted by the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, a road walk, a press briefing by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the presentation of awards to successful participants in the quiz exercise.
Funmi Imuetinyan
Director (Information and PR)
Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
