By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev on Monday urged the World Bank to increase funding and support to address pressing water and sanitation challenges facing the country.

Utsev made the call during a meeting with the outgoing and incoming World Bank Country Directors, Mr Shubham Chaudhuri and Ndiame Diop, respectively, in Abuja.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with the World Bank, Utsev stressed its pivotal role, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to advancing livelihoods through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The agenda, he said, encompassed initiatives aimed at enhancing electricity provision, strengthening food production via irrigation farming, ensuring access to safe water, and improving sanitation.

He said the ministry was anticipating further funding for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN).

Utsev expressed optimism that the initiative would not only generate employment opportunities for the youth, but also augment power generation and agricultural output, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of citizens.

The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to engaging Nigerian youth in productive endeavors such as agriculture, along with other youth-centric programmes initiated by the President.

Earlier, Chaudhuri commended Nigeria’s strides in the water and sanitation sector and assured the minister of the organisation’s continued support under the new leadership.

He thanked the people and government of Nigeria in their support for all World Bank interventions, saying such assistance should be given to his predecessor.

In response, the incoming Country Director, Ndiame Diop, affirmed the World Bank’s commitment to collaborating closely with the ministry to identify priority areas for intervention.

Additionally, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Alhaji Shehu Shinkafi, urged the World Bank to expedite the approval process for grants to enable the country to benefit more from its interventions.

In a related development, the minister also met with the team from Self Help Africa, led by its Country Director, Dr Joy Aderele.

Utsev urged the organisation to promote efforts against open defecation, particularly in rural areas.

He emphasised the importance of educating rural dwellers about the hazards of open defecation and the necessity of using proper sanitation facilities to achieve a healthier and more prosperous nation.

This, he noted aligned with the target of achieving Open Defecation Free status by 2025. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Group photograph of the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary and the team from World Bank.

By Diana Omueza

The Initiative for the Advancement of Waste Management in Africa (W.A.S.T.E AFRICA), an NGO, has inaugurated a “Waste-to-Wealth” plastic recycling hub in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The facility is expected to curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse and also to empower residents.

Ms Juliet Odhikori, the Programmes Director of the group, in a remark, said that the project was supported by the UNDP, Global Environment Facilities (GEF), and the Small Grant Programme (SGP).

Odhikori said the essence of the hub was to promote waste as a valuable currency for social good, economic empowerment, inclusion and environmental hygiene.

“We are carrying out this project called reducing marine plastic pollution, through recycling, to reduce plastic pollution from our local communities.

“Indiscriminate dumping of these materials has been identified as the leakage point where plastics enter into the marine bodies and cause pollution and blockages.

“The project is also to encourage people in local communities to start recycling and to empower, especially women, through monetising environmental waste,” she said.

She said that the hub would be opened from Monday to Saturday, adding that residents within and around the community are encouraged to walk-in with their “recyclable” materials for scaling, drop-offs and collection of rewards.

She thanked the Gwagwalada environmental board for supporting the project and called for more support to sustain and expand the project beyond the area council, and also beyond the FCT.

Mr Isha Attahiru, Representative of the Director of Environmental Services Department of the area council, lauded the group’s initiative to create a money making venture for residents through recycling and waste management.

“This programme will be helpful to our community directly, because as the raining season is approaching, most of this plastic ends up in our waterways, blocking the flow and increasing the risks of flooding.

“But, with this programme, the amount of plastic refuse will be drastically reduced and the waterway will have uninterrupted flow,” he said.

He applauded the NGO for the youth and women engagement and empowerment, and pledged continued support through sensitisation and mobilisation of waste pickers.

Mr Billal Zakari, the Representative of the Chief of Gwako Community, also commended the group for creating a source of income for residents in the community.

According to him, the women and youths are now engaged with waste picking for monetary rewards that will meet their needs and also keep the environment clean.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the women and youths in the community expressed excitement over the idea of making money through waste picking and recycling.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman and Abiemwense Moru

By Abigael Joshua

Stakeholders in the environment sector have called for increased budget allocation to fight the impacts of climate change in the country.

The stakeholders converged on Abuja to review Nigeria’s 2024 Climate Budget and the Energy Transition Plan to mitigate climate change in the country.

Speaking at the forum on Thursday, Sen. Abubaka Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, said that the Government of Nigeria was committed to climate issues that would align with the sustainable goals for climate mitigation for 2030.

Bagudu, who was represented by Dr Sanjo Faniran, Director, Social Department, assured that the ministry would soon hold a round table to ensure commitment to environmental issues.

Dr Michael David, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), said that Nigeria’s budget had to be climate friendly to build resilience.

He expressed displeasure on the allocated sum for climate change, saying that only 5.02 per cent of the total of 2024 budget was allocated to fight the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Shuaib Hassan Director, Centre for Environmental Studies University of Abuja, said that for Nigeria to fight climate change, it must stay away from fossil fuels.

He urged the Federal Government to look into the budget allocation for climate change, waste management and research.

Shuaib added that for the country to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, it would have to move from conventional fossil fuels to alternative renewable energy sources like wind and solar to reach the goal.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said that climate change had impacted on the food security of the nation.

Kyari, who was represented by Mr Odey Patrick, Assistant Director in the Ministry, urged stakeholders to show more concern to the issues of adaptation and mitigation.

Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), said that advocacy, collaboration and partnership were key to combating climate change.

Dahiru, who was represented by Mrs Adesola Effiwatt from the Climate Investment Desk, NCCC, said that climate change had gone beyond an environmental it is an economic and social issue.

Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), urged that whatever decision to be implemented to build climate resilience.

“GEF is the largest funder of environmental projects in the world, we have seven national parks and communities around them are surrounded with natural resources that we are trying to manage,’’ she said.

Mr Kenneth Akpan, representative of the Country Director OXFAM, expressed optimism that the budget on climate change could carry all stakeholders along. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has commenced training of 40 hygiene promoters on safe water and sanitation practices in rural communities.

During the event in Abuja on Thursday, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the ministry, highlighted the necessity of the ongoing training to shape the hygiene landscape of the nation.

Ugoh underscored the workshop’s significance beyond professional development, stressing its role in safeguarding the well-being and health of every citizen.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration and networking among stakeholders to maximise impact, fostering synergies to address hygiene-related challenges effectively.

Expressing gratitude for the diverse representation and shared commitment to improving public health outcomes, Ugoh acknowledged the participants’ dedication to collaborative efforts.

She noted the importance of collective action in addressing hygiene-related challenges and building healthier, resilient communities.

She added that “throughout the training, participants will delve into various aspects of hygiene promotion, including personal hygiene practices, sanitation methods, waste management and community engagement.

“These topics play critical roles in disease prevention, promoting good health and fostering clean and sustainable environment for all.”

Mrs Ayaba Kogbara, the Desk Officer for Hygiene Promotion in the ministry, said that the training was to address identified challenges related to poor sanitation.

According to her, it marks a positive step toward improving hygiene standards and public health in rural areas.

She added that participants, drawn from members of the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) and FCT rural water supply and sanitation agencies, underwent training on methods to enhance their capacity to impart knowledge to others.

This, she said, was aimed at using effective approaches to promote hygiene during validation and other activities in the communities.

She said “we discovered during our validation assessments that many communities still practice unsafe hygiene habits and we are committed to rectifying them.’’

Kogbara reiterated the ministry’s dedication to promoting hygiene in communities, particularly through the involvement of NTGS members.

She also pledged Federal Government’s commitment to continue educating people on proper hand-washing, ending open defecation, safe water management, among other initiatives.

Earlier, Mrs Betty Ukaegbu, a training Facilitator, emphasised the importance of promoting hygiene in communities, citing the pressing need to equip participants with necessary skills to advocate for hygiene practices in their respective fields.

According to her, the workshop focused on multifaceted approach of community-led total sanitation, recognising key stages such as pre-triggering, awareness creation, and action planning.

She underscored the need for vigilance in addressing hygiene issues in communities, even after initial agreement and action planning, urging participants to actively promote proper hygiene practices.

“NTGS members, whether in the field, during validation processes, or within office settings, are encouraged to actively promote proper hygiene practices.

“These include educating individuals on correct techniques for hand-washing, defecation and water management, while stressing the importance of clean and safe toilet facilities.”

Ukaegbu highlighted the significance of water safety techniques from point of collection, transportation, to consumption, suggesting methods such as boiling water for drinking purposes in areas without improved water sources.

She noted the significant responsibility of NTGS members in promoting hygiene awareness across various institutions, as Nigeria strives to achieve its goal of becoming open defecation-free and sustaining this achievement by 2030.

Mr Ishaku Abbas, a WASH Consultant, provided insights into key issues in the water and sanitation sector, saying “hygiene promotion empowers individuals to take proactive measures to prevent diseases.’’(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Abigael Joshua

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says there is need to safeguard the environment for sustainable development and environmental integrity.

Lawal made this submission on Wednesday in Abuja at a workshop on Reviewing the Outcomes of the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The workshop was organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

“The time for bold, decisive action is now; our success hinges on our ability to forge a robust partnership, mobilise stakeholders, and deliver on the commitments we have made to safeguard our environment and secure a prosperous future for our nation.

“As a nation, we have a responsibility to take action and to work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our people and our environment.

“The 28th session of COP to the UNFCCC was a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change and served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resolute action in the face of escalating climate crises and environmental challenges.’’

The minister said that Nigeria, like many other countries, was already feeling the impacts of climate change.

“As we gear up for COP 29, it is imperative that we foster the spirit of collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility, harnessing the collective wisdom, expertise, resources of all stakeholders and firm commitments to advance Nigeria’s environmental goals,” Lawal said.

Earlier, Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General of NCCC, said that Nigeria’s participation at COP 28 reaffirmed the need for strengthened collective climate change action across three pillars of Adaptation, Finance, and Mitigation.

“It is critical to note that these actions include an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner in this critical decade.

“This will enable the world to reach net zero emissions by 2050, in keeping with the science.

“As an oil-producing and developing nation, the agreements forged during COP 28 pose the need for a strategic review of our national actions and climate goals.

“We seek to facilitate an inclusive participatory process to motivate actions towards seeking higher ambitious goals for our transition to a low carbon economy.

“And to create a forum for government, businesses, and other stakeholders to continue to shape and strengthen the climate action processes in Nigeria,” Dahiru said.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a keynote address, said that Nigeria was faced with numerous climate challenges that demanded bold and decisive action.

“We must rethink and restructure our national budgets to prioritise sustainability and combat climate change head-on,” he said. (NAN) (www.nanneew.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has unveiled a guideline that will allow community members to own and manage water and sanitation facilities sustainably in the country.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Framework for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) Formation and Management in Nigeria.

The minister said the gesture was geared towards promoting sustainability and allowing communities to oversee the management of these facilities within their localities.

According to him, the framework is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, as well as ensure the long-term sustainability of these essential facilities.

Utsev emphasised the importance of community involvement in the management of water and sanitation infrastructure, highlighting the role it played in improving access to clean water and sanitation services nationwide.

He said by entrusting communities with the responsibility of managing these facilities, the government aimed to foster a sense of ownership and accountability, ultimately leading to better outcomes in terms of service delivery and infrastructure maintenance.

Utsev, quoting the 2021 WASHNORM report, said there were 2,313,566 water points in Nigeria, with about 60 per cent located in rural areas and 40 per cent in urban areas.

“62 per cent were found to be functional nationwide as at the time of the survey while 38 per cent were broken down.

“The predominant reasons for the non-functionality of WASH systems were attributed to the absence of ownership, poor deployment of technology options, lack of viable operations and maintenance system.

“Others are inadequate tariff systems for cost recovery and sparse community participation and accountability,’’ he said.

He said that inefficiencies in management and reliance on government or individuals for financing maintenance persisted in providing climate-resilient, adequate, and safe WASH services nationwide.

Alhaji Shehu Shinkafi, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said recognising the importance of WASH to the people, government at various levels and development partners were investing heavily in its provision especially in rural areas.

Shinkafi was represented by Dr Nicholas Madu, Director, Water Supply and Support Services at the ministry.

“Many often breaks down and abandoned as a result of negligence of duty or inability of responsible agencies of government or beneficiary of such facilities to perform their roles as its expected of them.

“It is now evident that government cannot solve water, sanitation and hygiene problems alone; the ministry recognises the roles and responsibility of all the stakeholders especially in operation and maintenance and its sustainability.

“Therefore it is required of them to be effectively organised, formed and trained if they are to deliver on their responsibilities,’’ he said.

He said the introduction of the framework marked a significant step towards achieving the goals of the ministry in promoting access to clean water and sanitation facilities for all Nigerians.

Shinkafi said the government would continue to work closely with communities to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative, and to further improve water and sanitation services across the country.

According to him, the WASHCOM is the backbone for the management and ensuring sustainable use of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and behavior change especially in rural and peri-urban areas of Nigeria.

He said the focus on sustainability of WASH facilities in Nigeria was in line with achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets 6.1 and 6.2 by 2030.

Goodwill messages were delivered by some managing directors of state rural water supply and sanitation agencies. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo