By Zubairu Idris

Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has allocated N10 billion towards enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene services as part of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) initiative.

The World Bank supports SURWASH, a project aimed at achieving improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, currently implemented in Imo, Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau states.

Engr. Aminu Dayyabu, the Programme Coordinator in Katsina, outlined the project’s goal to provide clean, affordable, and sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities to 80 per cent of the state’s urban and rural population by 2027, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dayyabu emphasised the state’s proactive measures to reach the set targets and mentioned that SURWASH coordinates the project’s implementation, providing technical support to implementing agencies.

They are the State Water Board, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Small Town Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Agency, and the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

The project covers various local government areas in Katsina State, and Dayyabu highlighted ongoing achievements, with verification and disbursements expected in March 2024.

He said Governor Dikko Radda has directed the rehabilitation of 34 small-town water supply schemes, to be executed by the newly established Small Towns Water and Sanitation Agency with technical support from SURWASH.

The focus includes restoring access to areas lacking functional facilities and improving sustainability by transitioning energy sources to solar.

Additionally, RUWASSA plans to rehabilitate 1,300 broken hand pumps, while 1,000 new ones will be drilled in rural communities during 2024 as part of the project. (NAN) www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Tosin Kolade

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has called on states and local governments to support the Federal Government in addressing poor sanitation conditions in the country.

Utsev, who spoke at the National Workshop on Safely Managed Sanitation (SMS) on Tuesday in Abuja, highlighted the urgent need to address challenges in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

The minister underscored the crucial role sanitation played in public health, community well-being, and national prosperity.

Citing a 2012 World Bank report, he revealed that poor sanitation cost Nigeria an estimated N455 billion annually; emphasising the economic impact on healthcare, productivity, and education.

Utsev regretted the social costs of open defecation, including loss of dignity and increased vulnerability to violence.

The minister acknowledged the current off-track progress in Nigeria on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 6.2, which aimed to achieve equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.

“With only 46 per cent of the population having access to basic sanitation services and 25 per cent practicing open defecation, the country faces the challenge of tripling its investment to achieve the SDG target,’’ he said.

Utsev reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to SDG 6, linking it to national development goals such as food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, and inclusivity.

He said that the sanitation value chain had the potential to reduce healthcare costs, boost productivity, and spur economic growth.

The minister expressed gratitude to partners, including UNICEF, World Bank, WHO, and WaterAid, for their continuous support, anticipating that the workshop’s outcomes would contribute to a future where safely managed sanitation was a reality for all Nigerians.

UNICEF’s Chief of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Dr Jane Bevan, highlighted the progress and challenges in Nigeria’s sanitation efforts.

Bevan said that in spite achieving open defecation-free status in 117 local government areas, there remained significant concerns.

She said that improper disposal of waste by pit emptiers in hazardous locations posed a threat to water sources, led to pollution and the spread of infections and impacted Nigeria’s vulnerable children who lacked defence against diseases like cholera.

Bevan said there was need to view sanitation beyond just having toilets, emphasising the importance of considering the entire sanitation value chain, including the safe disposal of waste.

She expressed concern that without addressing the end disposal process, despite having functional toilets, there was a substantial public health risk for Nigeria’s population.

Bevan reflected on her involvement in community-led total sanitation since the early 2000s and commended the progress made but harped on  the continued need for substantial efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Ms Evelyn Mere, expressed worries over the global and national failure to meet open defecation targets.

Mere, represented by Mr Kolawole Banwo, highlighted the country’s ambition to achieve open defecation-free status by 2025 through campaigns promoting toilet construction.

She questioned the fate of captured faecal matter and emphasised that a single 5m³ truck of faecal sludge equals 5000 people practicing open defecation.

Mere warned that without addressing the entire sanitation service chain, open defecation goals would remain elusive, potentially leading to displaced open defecation and escalating public health challenges.

The country director underscored the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders to elevate safely managed sanitation as a national aspiration and human right.

Highlighting the importance of a robust policy framework, Mere announced WaterAid’s collaboration with the Federal Government to develop a National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) policy.

The country director said that citizen-led groups and subcommittee members would receive continuous capacity-building sessions to achieve safely managed sanitation.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the gathering, which brought together stakeholders from national and subnational levels, development partners and the private sector, marked a significant step towards achieving universal and sustainable access to sanitation.  (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Abigael Joshua

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says unlocking the carbon market is pivotal to environmental sustainability.

The minister made the submission on Tuesday, in Abuja at a two-day workshop on Nigeria’s Carbon Market Framework: Article 6 Training and Implementation Design.

“Unlocking Nigeria’s carbon market opportunities holds potential for sustainable growth, economic development and climate change mitigation.

“Nigeria’s carbon market is an emerging market that is yet to actualise its full potential; the country’s carbon market will serve as an attraction for climate finance and as a means to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

“The need to unlock its opportunities is pivotal to promoting sustainable growth, stimulating economic development, and mitigating climate change,’’ he said.

The minister said that Nigeria had the potential to produce millions of tons worth of carbon credits annually by 2030 through projects such as reforestation, renewable energy, energy waste, and improved cook stoves.

“Collaborating with international partners, capacity building and targeted investments can help actualise these potential.

“Nigeria had over the years shown increasing interest in reducing its emissions through engagement in relevant partnerships and initiatives.

“The adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, set a worldwide objective of keeping the global average temperature well below 2 °C above pre-industrial period,’’ he said.

The minister said that one of the key outcomes of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow was the approval of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement’s rulebook governing carbon markets.

“It is essential to note that Carbon Markets present a very important tool to reach global climate goals in short and medium terms.

“They could help to mobilise resources and reduce costs to give countries and companies the space to smooth the low-carbon transition and be able to achieve the goal of net zero emissions in the most effective way possible,’’ he said.

According to him, it is timely to consider the different approaches for the carbon market necessary to steer the country on the trajectory of low-carbon policies, while also considering national priorities such as socio-economic development and sustainable development.

Earlier, Salisu Dahiru, Director-General, of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), said that consultations with various stakeholders indicated a strong interest in market-based mechanisms.

“It is widely acknowledged that creating and establishing these market-based mechanisms can be cost-effective in achieving emission reduction targets.

“In spite of its low level of emissions, Nigeria has the potential for a range of carbon mitigation activities above, and beyond the planned activities of the nationally determined contribution that may allow it to access carbon finance.

“This can be achieved through trading, to assist its ambitious goal to become a developed, carbon-neutral, and climate-resilient economy by 2060.

“Thus, as the marketplace for carbon trading is emerging, it will be of great importance to explore opportunities, and identify implications and risks associated with the carbon market under the PA’s Article 6 in Nigeria,” Dahiru said.

The director-general said that participating in Article 6 necessitated a country-led, efficient, and robust institutional architecture with high-level engagement and monitoring.

“The arrangement must have legal and administrative authority to effectively implement Article 6 on behalf of the national government.

“The just concluded COP 28 held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate ended up with a call to come together around real, practical and meaningful climate solutions that equal the scale of the climate crisis,” he said.

Nussbaumar James, Climate Officer, U.S. Embassy commended Nigeria’s leadership role on climate change and promised to take adaptation to climate issues seriously. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

============

Edited by Nick Nicholas and Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Fabian Ekeruche

The Lagos State Government has affirmed its unwavering commitment to enforcing a comprehensive ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam within the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this at a consultative meeting with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Restaurant and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN), on Thursday in Lagos.

Wahab underscored the extensive damage inflicted upon both public health and the environment due to the prevalent use of styrofoam in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, he conveyed the state’s stance on offering a “soft landing” to all producers and distributors, allowing a three-week grace period before enforcing the ban.

This temporary reprieve is deemed adequate for existing styrofoam stock in the state to be depleted, contingent upon the commitment of stockists.

Highlighting the prolonged nature of the deliberation, Wahab reminded attendees that the initial pronouncement of the styrofoam ban was made over three years ago, yet enforcement had been delayed.

He emphasised the gravity of the situation by pointing out the incalculable loss of lives, destruction of ecosystems, and harm to aquatic life caused by styrofoam usage.

Wahab stressed that residents’ lives took precedence over producers’ profits in the ongoing battle against the environmental menace.

He likened the manufacturers’ appeal to a request for people to endure poison for an extended period, merely to mitigate commercial losses.

Underscoring the havoc wreaked by styrofoam products, particularly during and after the rainy season, he placed responsibility on producers, suggesting that government intervention would have been unnecessary if they had adhered to existing regulations.

The commissioner emphasised the humane aspect of the ban, with the government granting a three-week moratorium to producers and entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector.

He urged them to acknowledge the necessity of making tough decisions in leadership and governance. Additionally, Wahab called attention to producers’ societal responsibility, noting the absence of environmental impact assessments before the commencement of styrofoam production for public use.

Dr Gaji Tajudeen, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, supported the ban, citing the menace caused by styrofoam in the environment.

He highlighted the non-recyclable nature of the product, asserting that it would persist unchanged for a century and posed threats to wildlife, as animals often mistake it for food.

Dr Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), expressed concern over the environmental impact of styrofoam packs clogging drainage channels.

He emphasised the danger to human health posed by the plastic product, deeming it irresponsible for the government to idly watch the costly clearance of packs from various drain systems.

Representatives from MAN and REFSPAN, Mr Okpe Sunday and Mr Olaoye Kazeem, respectively, pleaded for leniency and requested time to utilise existing stock before the ban’s strict enforcement.

This critical decision by the Lagos State Government was officially announced on January 21, 2024, involving an immediate ban on the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Tosin Kolade

Nigerian Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners, have unveiled an ambitious plan to accelerate the provision of climate-resilient, safe, and sustainable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services within the country.

At the Nigeria/UNICEF Annual WASH Review Meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, said the target aligned with the objectives of SDG 6.1 and 6.2, and the National Open Defecation Free (ODF) 2025 Roadmap.

According to him, the meeting is a pivotal moment for stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector to assess progress and discuss strategies for the future.

Expressing concern over the lag in access to sanitation and hygiene services compared to water supply, the Minister highlighted the crosscutting impact of WASH issues on various sectors like health, education, and the economy.

Emphasising the critical role of achieving WASH targets under SDG 6 in Nigeria, he underscored the potential regional and global implications, given the country’s strategic position.

Utsev said FG’s unwavering commitment to addressing sector gaps and prioritising WASH was evident through initiatives led by his ministry.

These initiatives, he said included the National Action Plan for WASH Sector Revitalisation, the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ Campaign, and the Sustainable Urban and Rural WASH (SURWASH) Project, among others.

He added that federal government reinforced its commitment with initiatives like the development of a National WASH Policy and the signing of MOU for SchoolWASH, HealthWASH, and YouthWASH Programmes.

“These initiatives showcase the government’s strong political will to reverse Nigeria’s poor WASH indices and expedite access to sustainable services in institutions and public places”.

Utsev highlighted the Annual WASH Sector Review as an opportunity for collective reflection and agreement on a new trajectory to accelerate the achievement of SDG 6.1 and 6.2 in Nigeria.

Dr Rownak Khan, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, emphasised the commitment to addressing the challenges faced by children in the country, calling for deliberate funding of $9 billion annually for the WASH sector.

Khan highlighted UNICEF’s multifaceted programmes aimed at ensuring fundamental social services for children, with a particular focus on access to clean water and sanitation.

Expressing concern over contaminated water affecting a significant percentage of children, Khan revealed that 68 per cent of available water sources were contaminated with harmful organisms.

She said working collaboratively with the government and various partners, UNICEF would facilitate gradual and progressive access to clean water for children.

“In addition to addressing water contamination, the organisation is actively involved in training local counterparts to maintain functional water points and improve access to clean sanitary facilities.

“These efforts are part of the Clean Nigeria campaign, which aims to eliminate open defecation practices.

“Moreover, UNICEF’s engagement extends beyond the school environment, reaching communities where access to clean water and sanitation is essential for all children, whether in school or not”.

Discussing the impact of climate change on children, Khan referred to a November-launched report analysing the vulnerability of Nigerian children to diverse climate-related challenges, such as droughts and floods.

The deputy representative said UNICEF planned to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to formulate an action plan in response to these climate challenges.

Earlier, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary highlighted the importance of partnership and acknowledged achievements and hurdles in providing sustainable WASH solutions.

Shinkafi, represented by Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, commended stakeholders for their dedication, emphasising the commitment to the well-being of every Nigerian.

He expressed confidence in the transformative collaboration and anticipated even greater strides in the future, expressing gratitude to UNICEF and partners for their support.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual forum served as an opportunity for key stakeholders to evaluate the achievements of the FGN/UNICEF WASH activities during the inaugural year of the 2023 to 2027 implementation cycle. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Fabian Ekeruche

The Lagos State Government has announced an immediate ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics within the metropolis.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, on Sunday in Lagos.

Wahab emphasised that the decision was prompted by the environmental impact of single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable styrofoam, causing issues in drainage channels despite regular cleaning efforts.

He highlighted the responsibility of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in dealing with the substantial amount of styrofoam litter in major roads and markets.

The commissioner directed LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline to promptly implement the ban and crackdown on production companies and distribution outlets for styrofoam to prevent further distribution.

Wahab warned of heavy fines, penalties, and possible premises sealing for non-compliance by producers, distributors, and end-users.

He stressed the need to address environmental desecration, especially in a coastal city like Lagos, urging residents to adopt alternatives like reusable containers to curb the consequences of indiscriminate plastic dumping. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Tosin Kolade

Alhaji Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, on Friday reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders to restore Jabi Lake.

The announcement came to light during a comprehensive progress report presentation which held in Abuja.

Expressing deep concern over the diminishing Eco-hydrological value of Jabi Lake, Goronyo attributed the decline to encroachments by miscreants and vandals.

Stressing the urgency of halting unauthorised activities threatening the lake and its ecosystem, the Minister emphasised the need to preserve it for future water needs.

During the presentation, Goronyo shed light on the challenges faced by the Eco-hydrology research team, citing increased building structures around the lake as hindering access to its shorelines.

He assured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment to reaching out and collaborating to address these threats and safeguard Jabi Lake.

Prof. Emmanuel Adanu, Chairman of the Regional Center for Integrated River Basin Management (RC-IRBM), underscored the importance of addressing identified threats and security challenges in the Jabi area.

Dr Sani Ahmed, Coordinator of Training and Education at RC-IRBM Project Desk Office, provided updates on research and capacity building in Eco-hydrology and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) on Jabi Lake.

Highlighting escalating threats due to rapid urbanisation and socio-economic activities, Ahmed emphasised the adoption of Eco-hydrology as a crucial strategy for reviving the Lake.

He stressed the potential for gaining valuable insights into threats confronting the water body and developing effective approaches to mitigate them.

Ahmed revealed that embracing Eco-hydrology for Jabi Lake would effectively tackle Water Resources Management challenges impacting the lake and its surrounding ecosystems.

Additionally, it becomes instrumental in safeguarding and preserving vital water resources to meet future demands, he said.

Considering the lake’s role as a habitat for migratory birds, Eco-hydrology practices aim to preserve the lake’s ecosystem and establish Jabi Lake as a model for Eco-hydrology in Nigeria, supported by UNESCO.

Chosen as Nigeria’s first Eco-hydrology demonstration site, Jabi Lake faces threats that demand collaborative efforts for conservation.

The Eco-hydrology programme, supported by UNESCO, aims to integrate social, ecological, and hydrological research to develop effective policies for Water Resources Management. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Tosin Kolade

Mr Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels, an official of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has called for enhanced coordination in implementing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in emergency situations in the country.

He made the call on the sidelines of the ongoing WASH in Emergency Working Group workshop in Enugu on Thursday.

Olu-Daniels stressed the importance of coordination within technical working groups, citing challenges arising from poor coordination among WASH state officials.

According to him, the challenges of inadequate coordination have been a persistent issue, hampering progress and hindering the effective utilisation of resources.

He said as the year unfolded, the ministry identified the pressing need to develop a robust work plan to guide their efforts, saying coordination between all stakeholders is a key factor in making funds accessible for addressing annual work plan.

Reflecting on the history of the national emergency Technical Working Group, he said it became evident that coordination issues have consistently been a stumbling block.

“Despite engaging in activities and making progress, the year-end review reveals that coordination challenges persist.

“The WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group, designed to bring various stakeholders together to address WASH issues, faces difficulties in securing consistent funding from government and partners.

“In light of recent developments in funding, the ministry underscores the importance of coordination to optimise the use of limited resources”.

The director called for united front among sector partners to ensure effective division of functions and clear direction in addressing challenges in the water and sanitation sector.

Recognising federal support, he emphasised the crucial role of robust state-level initiatives in the WASH sector, given their proximity to local challenges, making them primary responders.

“The hope is that this year’s work plan, with a renewed emphasis on coordination, will lead to tangible results and a more effective response to the pressing issues in the WASH domain”.

UNICEF WASH Specialist, Enugu Field Office, Mr Ebri Ibor, said preparedness should be the watchword for all stakeholders in the WASH in emergency sector.

According to him, states are expected to have their Emergency Preparedness Plan already in place and implemented, and not when cholera outbreak occurred.

Ibor said this should include prepositioning of supplies to limit mortality and reducing the spread of the disease, saying this should be comprehensive and multi-sectorial.

The WASH specialist also included community engagements and risk communication strategies involving key media players.

According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), 84 deaths were recorded from cholera, from January to August 27, 2023.

The NCDC said 2,860 people were suspected to have been infected with the disease.

In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually mostly during the rainy season and more often in areas with poor sanitation. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza 

By Abigael Joshua

Mr Sam Onuigbo, Patron, Board of Trustees Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), says it is crucial for Nigeria to accelerate its adoption of renewable energy to mitigate climate change.

Onuigbo communicated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Multi Stakeholders National Consultative Dialogue with the theme ‘’Unpacking COP 28 Outcome: Accelerating Nigeria’s Climate Action.’’

He said that renewable energy could provide ready solutions, adding that Nigeria had reenacted the electricity act 2023.

“I will like those of you that are interested in renewable energy to study the electricity act 2023 and see the opportunities that abound.

“We can no longer discuss development without climate change the two are not in competition rather they are in complimentary.

“All stakeholders, private sectors, CSOs among others, should explore the opportunities in the meeting to mitigate climate change in Nigeria and in the world,’’ he said.

Earlier, in an address of welcome, Prof. Ibrahim Choji, Chairman Board of Trustee, CSDevNet, said that the historic agreement to transition away from fossil fuels represented a monumental step forward.

He said that livelihoods, ecosystems, and the very fabric of existence were under threat; yet, amidst the daunting reality, COP28 offered a glimmer of hope.

“The establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund acknowledges the injustices borne by vulnerable nations like ours.

“Unpacking the COP28 outcome is not merely an academic exercise; it is a vital exercise in introspection and strategic planning.”

He assured that the workshop would explore the intricacies of COP28 decisions, analyse their impact on national priorities, and brainstorm innovative approaches to tackle the challenges.

“We will identify the gaps in funding, technology, and capacity that hinder our progress and devise strategies to bridge them.

“Together, we can build a nation that thrives in harmony with nature; a nation that serves as a beacon of hope for other vulnerable nations; a nation that leaves behind a legacy of environmental responsibility and sustainable progress,” he said.

On his part, Dr Sam Ogallah, Senior Climate Change Advisor, African Union, said that African continent held more than half of the critical minerals globally.

“Africa holds the solution to the climate crisis in the world; we need to change the narrative, we need to value what we have.

“If you want us to switch the renewables electric vehicles and all the things you want us to do, where do you want us to get the minerals from? It is on our soil,” Ogallah said.

Similarly, Mr Kenneth Akpan, Project Coordinator for OXFAM Nigeria, said that climate change, poverty and insecurity were related; hence the need to fight them.

“We are fighting poverty all over the world; there is no way we can separate poverty and climate change,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that highlights of the event was the conferment of patron on  Onuigbo, presentation of awards of recognition on some persons and the presentation of the CSDevNet. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Tosin Kolade

Alhaji Shehu Shinkafi, the newly deployed permanent secretary to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has pledged accountability in delivering the mandate of the ministry for water resources management.

He made the commitment when he took over from Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, who was redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Education.

Shinkafi, a seasoned accountant and administrator, expressed his commitment to fostering collaboration with the ministry’s staff, emphasising the importance of work ethics and dedication to duties.

He introduced an open-door policy and called for the cooperation of all staff to effectively fulfill the ministry’s mandate.

Shinkafi extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

He urged diligent performance from the ministry’s staff in their respective roles.

The new permanent secretary pledged to work harmoniously with the staff to achieve the outlined objectives of the priority areas of water and sanitation Sector.

Emphasising the significance of accountability, Shinkafi pledged to elevate the ministry’s efforts for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In her handover address, Walson-Jack expressed appreciation to the ministry, agencies’ staff, and stakeholders in the water resources and sanitation sector, for their support during her tenure.

She welcomed her successor and assured him of the commitment and resourcefulness of the water and sanitation team.

Mrs Phoebe Nwandu, the Director of Special Duties at the ministry, acknowledged the event as a transition of responsibilities from one capable leader to another.

She expressed gratitude to the outgoing permanent secretary for her exemplary and visionary leadership.

Welcoming Shinkafi, Nwandu urged all ministry staff to collaborate and work effectively to achieve its mandate.

Shinkafi, a Fellow Certified National Accountant (FCNA) from the Shinkafi Emirate of Zamfara State, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

His notable service includes positions in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Federal Ministry of Finance, and most recently in the Special Services Office at the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza