By Akpan Glory
The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) has begun reviewing its strategic plan to strengthen its role in promoting universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across Nigeria.
This formed the focus of discussions at the opening of the three-day Review and Development of NEWSAN Strategic Plan and Capacity Building on WASH Advocacy in Abuja on Thursday.
Secretary of NEWSAN’s Board, Dr Priscilla Achakpa, said the exercise marked a defining moment for the network, which has recorded major growth in scope and influence since its establishment 22 years ago.
She said the review of the 2020–2025 plan would produce a forward-looking roadmap that responds to emerging development priorities, particularly climate change, equity, and sustainability in the WASH sector.
“NEWSAN began 22 years ago when progress seemed uncertain. Today we operate in 33 states, a clear testament to persistence and collective effort,” she said.
Achakpa emphasised that the new plan must be grounded in evidence and aligned with global trends.
“There is no conversation about climate without water and sanitation at its core.
“Yet, civil society’s voice is often absent in high-level spaces where narratives and decisions are shaped. I urge NEWSAN to occupy those spaces,” she said.
She called for strategic advocacy and deliberate partnerships to strengthen NEWSAN’s position as a leading civil society voice in the WASH and climate resilience agenda.
“We must carry out a rigorous SWOT and PESTLE analysis as part of this review. Ask: what are our strengths, where are the opportunities, who are the partners we must prioritise, and which global platforms must we join?”
The secretary urged members to leverage the network’s collective expertise, consolidate alliances with government, UN agencies, and donors, by showcasing NEWSAN’s work nationally and globally.
“Let this strategic plan be our Bible for action; a practical guide that drives advocacy, partnerships, and accountability,” she said.
She also acknowledged the WASH Ambassador, Dr Ebele Okeke for her consistent support, noting that “there is not a day we speak of NEWSAN without acknowledging her contributions.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr Leo Atakpu, commended NEWSAN’s steady growth from an initial six states to a presence in 33 states across Nigeria, excluding Bayelsa and Rivers where branches are still being established.
He traced NEWSAN’s origins to the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), which he said “nurtured the organisation some twenty-two years ago”.
Atakpu said the network had strengthened its institutional capacity, expanded membership, and deepened engagement with government and development partners.
“Among our notable achievements is the successful advocacy that helped raise the profile of WASH in national discourse, reaching into the legislative domain where NEWSAN policy briefs were delivered to the House Committee on Water Resources,” he said.
He also highlighted the network’s role in supporting Nigeria to achieve its first Open Defecation Free (ODF) Local Government Areas in Cross River and Benue states through close collaboration with implementing partners.
“NEWSAN has matured organisationally. We now operate with up-to-date policies, strengthened financial management systems using QuickBooks, audited accounts, and compliance with federal filing requirements,” he said.
Atakpu, however, acknowledged challenges confronting the WASH sector, including limited funding, weak coordination, data gaps, and the impacts of climate change and rapid urbanisation.
He lamented the absence of a new WASH-NORM report since 2021, saying it was a critical data gap that hinders evidence-based planning.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of WASH infrastructure in many communities. Climate change and urban sprawl are reshaping the landscape, demanding more adaptive and inclusive strategies,” he said.
He urged members to approach the review with “honesty, urgency, creativity and purpose,” guided by the core themes of equity, accountability, sustainability, and partnership.
“As a network of over 300 civil society organisations, NEWSAN must remain not just a network but a movement, one that drives transformative change and upholds the dignity and rights of every citizen to water, sanitation and hygiene,” Atakpu added.
In his remarks, NEWSAN National Coordinator, Mr Attah Benson, said the meeting was a “pivotal moment” for the organisation and the WASH sector in Nigeria.
He said the review offered an opportunity to reflect on NEWSAN’s journey, measure its impact, and set a bold new agenda for the future.
“Today marks more than just a meeting on paper; it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to a Nigeria where access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is not a privilege, but a right that must be enjoyed by all,” Benson said.
He noted that NEWSAN had over the years become “a beacon of hope and advocacy in amplifying the voices of communities, assessing and influencing policy, demanding accountability, and driving change at both grassroots and national levels”.
According to him, the new strategy must be dynamic and forward-looking, addressing the challenges of climate change, population growth, and public health crises with innovation and inclusion.
“Our strategy must be rooted in evidence, driven by innovation, and guided by the lived realities of the communities we serve,” he said.
Benson commended members of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the Secretariat for their commitment to sustaining NEWSAN’s operations and visibility.
He also appreciated tiers of government and development partners for their support and collaboration.
“Let us approach this review with open minds, critical eyes, and a shared sense of purpose.
“Together, we can sharpen our vision, strengthen our impact, and ensure that NEWSAN remains a powerful force for equity, dignity and sustainable development in Nigeria’s WASH sector,” he added.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Adeyemi Ajose commended NEWSAN for its leadership in driving positive change in Nigeria’s WASH sector.
He further urged the network to extend its advocacy to emerging and often overlooked issues such as climate change and hygiene promotion.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Khadijat Mohammed, Senior Scientific Officer, commended NEWSAN’s sustained efforts toward improving access to safe water and sanitation.
She said the Ministry recognised NEWSAN’s critical role in advancing national and global WASH goals, especially in line with Sustainable Development Goal six.
“As you review the 2021–2025 Strategic Plan and chart the course for 2025–2035, this is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, address emerging challenges, and strengthen our collective resolve,” she said.
Mohammed reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continued collaboration with civil society and stakeholders to promote climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable WASH initiatives.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I commend your dedication and wish you successful deliberations and a productive outcome.
“Together, we can ensure that every Nigerian enjoys the right to safe water, adequate sanitation and a healthy environment,” she said.
The review meeting is expected to produce NEWSAN’s new 10-year strategic plan, outlining priorities for 2025–2035 in line with national development frameworks and global climate resilience goals. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
