WASH

By Adebola Adegoke/Mariam Akande

The Lagos State Government, has unveiled its new Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy 2023, aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation.

The state government said that the policy was also in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six.

The policy was presented during an event organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Water Day with the theme: “Water for Peace.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State WASH policy was developed by the Lagos State Government with technical support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The technical support came through the USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity.

Presenting the policy, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said it served as a guiding framework in the journey towards ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.

Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab.

“This comprehensive policy outlines a holistic approach to water management, encompassing strategies for conservation, pollution prevention, and equitable distribution.

“By implementing the provisions of the WASH Policy, we reaffirm our commitment to leave no-one behind in our quest for water security and peace.

“In our pursuit of water security and sustainability, it is imperative that we embrace the principles of inclusivity and equity.

“By addressing water scarcity and inequities in access, we can mitigate conflicts and build a more peaceful and just society,” he said.

The governor added that the ongoing activities of the LUWASH project supported by USAID, exemplified the government’s dedication to promoting water security and sustainability in urban areas.

He said that LUWASH was currently supporting the water sector in various activities, which included rehabilitation of five micro/mini water works for Lagos Water Corporation (LWC).

He said that it also included capacity building for Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) in the area of tariff setting, and supporting the development of a business case for Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO).

“Through innovative interventions and partnerships, we are improving water infrastructure, enhancing sanitation services, and empowering communities to take ownership of their water resources.

“By investing in urban WASH initiatives, we are not only improving the quality of life for urban dwellers, but also fostering resilience and social cohesion in our cities.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, said access to clean water remained a luxury for too many people.

Utsev said that this led to inequality, conflict, and instability.

“More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders.

“Yet, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water as reported by the UN waters.

“Public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity all rely on a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle.

“Today, we are confronted with unprecedented challenges, from the escalating impacts of climate change to the growing demands of a rapidly expanding global population.

“Yet, in the face of these challenges, we must also recognise the immense potential of water as a catalyst for cooperation, collaboration and peace-building,” he said.

Speaking on the theme, Utsev highlighted the power of water to create peace or spark conflict.

According to him, when water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal, or no access to water, tensions can rise between communities and countries.

“By harnessing the power of water as a tool for diplomacy and dialogue, we can bridge divides, build trust and forge lasting partnerships that transcend the limitations of geography and ideology.

“By promoting inclusive governance structures, promoting integrated water resource management, and investing in water infrastructure and technology, we can create the conditions for peace to flourish and prosperity to thrive,” he said.

Mr James Racicot, LUWASH Chief of Party, explained that LUWASH was implemented in 2023 as a five-year $38.9 million activity supported by USAID.

He said that it was to increase the availability, quality and use of safe water and sanitation services.

According to him, the objectives of the LUWASH activity are to strengthen governance and institutional arrangement to deliver improved WASH services, improve public and private service provider performance.

Others, Racicot said, are to increase access to safe and sustainable water services and improve the quality of source water.

“LUWASH has started capacity building of key institutional stakeholders and will soon begin rehabilitation of selected priority Lagos Water Corporation water works to enable increased water production and supply,” Racicot said.

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Diana Omueza

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for the amendment of the Nigeria Customs Act for an enhanced
service delivery.

Mr Ibrahim Zikirullahi, the Executive Director, CHRICED, stated this in Abuja at a news conference.

Zikirullahi said that the alleged revelations of monumental corruption in the Nigeria Customs Service had necessitated the need for a reform to overhaul of the service.

“On Feb. 27, Nigeria’s Premium Times reported a corruption scandal involving a group of seven high-ranking officers from the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS).

“According to a media source an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed that these officers were found to have accepted a total of N12 billion in bribes from smugglers.

“Undercover investigator Fisayo Soyombo of Foundation for Investigative Journalism also revealed in a 16-minute undercover video showing how easy it is to smuggle anything into Nigeria with the complicity of corrupt customs officials.

“In spite these actions, the President Tinubu led administration has not taken significant action to hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

He added that centre strongly condemned the deep-rooted corruption, deliberate sabotage, and misconduct at high levels within the NCS.

“We urgently call for thorough investigations and a complete overhaul to restore the organisation’s integrity,” he said.

Zikirullahi said that it was disgraceful that in spite of the recent exposure of a massive bribery scandal involving senior officers the government had yet to take action.

He urged the President to take decisive measures to provide the necessary leadership in the fight against corruption in the country.

Zikirullahi said that the absence of accountability and transparency in the government had created a culture of impunity which is eroding public trust in government institutions and hindering the nation’s progress.

He called for a transparent and timely review of the annual auditor general’s report and that recommendations be made concerning the misuse of powers by the NCS and the Minister of Interior.

“We call for the immediate initiation of measures to recover the unlawful waivers granted by Customs to companies and personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We recommend immediate suspension and prosecution of the corrupt Customs officers identified in the EFCC investigation, along with the recovery of the entire bribe amounts they received.

“We call for prompt investigation, arrest, and prosecution of all officers implicated in the recent undercover investigation by Fisayo Soyombo.

“Specifically, we propose a thorough inquiry into the accusations of smuggling of foreign rice and other prohibited items by a senior customs officer in a video featuring the infamous smuggler, IBD Bande,” he said.

Zikirullahi called for immediate implementation of other audit actions, including sanctions against the comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs regarding non-remittance of levies, taxes, and other infractions of established public sector financial regulation.

He urged Tinubu to prioritise the establishment of a comprehensive national strategy to combat corruption.

He also suggested that autonomy be granted to anticorruption bodies to enhance the necessary independence and authority to effectively carry out their duties without any external interference or influence.

This, he said, was the only way to empower independent bodies to carry out investigations and prosecute corruption cases without fear of reprisal or political pressure.

“It is crucial to strengthen anticorruption institutions to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency.

“This can be accomplished by providing them with adequate financial and human resources to fulfil their mandate.

“This includes recruiting and training competent and dedicated staff, as well as equipping them with the necessary tools and technology to carry out their work.

“It is also imperative to rigorously enforce adherence to established financial regulations within the public sector and any violations should be swiftly and decisively dealt with, imposing appropriate penalties on those found guilty,” he said.

Zikirullahi said that such actions against corruption would serve as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers and send a strong message that corruption would not be tolerated.

He called for the adoption of best practices in financial management and procurement processes in public institutions and the creation of environments that are less susceptible to corruption.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Ali Baba-Inuwa