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World Bank pledges disability-inclusive WASH programme in Nigeria
Environment

World Bank pledges disability-inclusive WASH programme in Nigeria

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By Akpan Glory

The World Bank has reiterated its commitment to promoting disability-inclusive access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in Nigeria through its $700 million Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

This reaffirmation came during a roundtable discussion on disability inclusion in WASH sector on Friday in Abuja, in collaboration with sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and representatives of persons with disabilities.

The meeting was aimed at assessing progress, identifying gaps, and proposing inclusive solutions within the SURWASH implementation framework.

Ms Awa Diagne, the World Bank’s SURWASH Task Team Lead, stressed that the programme is not a one-off intervention but a systemic, performance-based platform designed to strengthen national delivery systems across the country.

“SURWASH is not a project, it is a programme that aims to strengthen national systems to deliver WASH services to everyone, with special consideration for people living with disabilities,” she said.

Diagne explained that SURWASH integrates disability inclusion into its performance-based financing model and supports the development of context-specific policies and guidelines to improve service delivery.

“We are not just financing infrastructure; we are helping states design policies that embed inclusion and resilience from the start, a major focus of the discussion was the importance of inclusive design that goes beyond physical infrastructure.

“Accessibility must go beyond ramps and handrails, it must reflect the full spectrum of disabilities, mobility, visual, hearing, cognitive, and must begin with meaningful engagement of stakeholders from the outset”.

She added that disability inclusion must be viewed not as an add-on, but as an essential part of design, planning, and implementation.

She further called on state-level implementers to take the outcomes of the roundtable back to their respective regions and translate discussions into action.

“We need to be more conscious of who we consult, and what we mean by disability inclusion,” she urged, adding that monitoring, evaluation, and accountability must be strengthened to ensure inclusive outcomes.

Also speaking, Cindy Ikeaka, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist, noted challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing essential services in Nigeria.

She cited statistics indicating that more than 25 million Nigerians live with disabilities, many of whom are excluded from public services due to inaccessible infrastructure and weak enforcement of inclusion policies.

“We have children with disabilities who cannot go to school simply because the buildings are not designed to accommodate them,” she said.

Ikeaka underscored the need for stronger implementation of Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, passed in 2019.

“While some states have domesticated the law, enforcement remains inconsistent, it is not enough to pass a law, there must be mechanisms to ensure it is enforced,” she said.

She also pointed to other inclusive development efforts by the World Bank, such as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, which promotes inclusive education, including for girls living with disabilities.

She stressed the importance of participatory engagement in all phases of development programmes.

“A person with a disability understands the barriers better than someone without one. If we want to ensure accessibility in schools, water points, or health centres, we must engage those directly affected.

“Inclusion is not optional but essential to achieving sustainable development and equitable service delivery,” she said.

In his remarks, Mr Abdulhamid Gwaram, SURWASH National Programme Coordinator, reiterated that disability inclusion in Nigeria’s WASH sector is both a development priority and a legal obligation.

He referenced the 2019 disability rights law, which mandates inclusive public services and infrastructure.

“Disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative, it is enshrined in Nigerian law,” he stated.

Gwaram noted that inadequate planning and design continue to limit access to water and sanitation for persons with disabilities, undermining their dignity and well-being.

He explained that the SURWASH framework incorporates inclusive principles to address this gap, but stressed the need to decentralise the initiative.

“We now have partnerships with key stakeholders like the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, but we must take these conversations to the states and local governments to ensure real impact,” he said.

Also contributing, Mr Tony Agwuna, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, called for greater disability inclusion in WASH programming across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said inclusive WASH must encompass participation, non-discrimination, gender sensitivity, accessibility, staff training, and effective monitoring.

He recommended the disaggregation of programme data to reflect the experiences of people with disabilities and ensure their inclusion from planning through to implementation.

“All MDAs should institutionalise the needs of people with disabilities in their programmes,” Agwuna added.

“Inclusive WASH is a human rights issue and is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that SURWASH programme is being implemented in seven states of Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Katsina. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Strengthening WASH infrastructure for Girls’ Education in Kaduna
Environment

Strengthening WASH infrastructure for Girls’ Education in Kaduna

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By Aisha Gambo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The lack of proper Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nigerian schools continues to hinder students’ education, especially for girls.

Many students are forced to endure unsanitary conditions, leading to health risks, absenteeism, and disruptions in their learning.

Bilkisu Yahaya, a Senior Secondary 3 (SS3) student at Government Secondary School, Rigasa, in Igabi Local Government Area, struggles to relieve herself while in school.

The toilets remain locked due to a lack of water.

“We have toilets, but we don’t use them because there is no water to clean them. The solar-powered borehole we had is damaged.

“When I need to use the toilet, I either wait until I get home or go behind the classroom,” she explained.

Like Yahaya, many girls in her school face the same challenge following the breakdown of the borehole.

A visit by a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent to Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS) Maimuna Gwarzo in Unguwar Sunusi, Kaduna South Local Government Area, revealed a similar situation.

The toilets were also locked, in spite being constructed by the state government in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

The initiative was designed to provide safe and hygienic spaces for schoolgirls.

Hussaina Abudulkadir, a Junior Secondary 3 (JS3) student, revealed that she and her friends had resorted to open defecation due to the toilet closures.

“We have to buy sachet water or bring water from home to drink and clean ourselves,” she said.

The lack of functional WASH facilities in schools poses a serious threat to girls’ education in Nigeria.

Poor sanitation contributes to absenteeism, for menstruating girls, who struggle to attend classes without proper hygiene facilities.

According to the Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), children under 18 are the most deprived of WASH facilities, with about 70 per cent lacking access to clean water and sanitation.

A UNICEF Nigeria report from 2021 revealed that only 37 per cent of schools had basic water supply services, while 35 per cent had basic sanitation services.

Additionally, just 30 per cent of schools had basic hygiene services, and only 11 per cent provided gender-sensitive WASH facilities.

The lack of these facilities disproportionately affects female students, especially during menstruation, leading to increased absenteeism.

The situation is worse in rural areas, where only 31 per cent of schools have access to basic water services, compared to 49 per cent in urban areas.

Similarly, sanitation access is lower in rural schools, with just 23 per cent having functional facilities, whereas urban schools fare slightly better at 44 per cent.

A report by WASH Nigeria highlights how poor WASH facilities contribute to increased school absenteeism and the spread of waterborne diseases, negatively impacting students’ health and academic performance.

Analysts say addressing this crisis requires government intervention, community involvement, and civil society engagement to ensure not just the provision but also the sustainable maintenance of WASH infrastructure in schools.

They opined that a proper WASH system in schools should include an improved water source with a reliable supply, separate, functional sanitation facilities for boys and girls, and handwashing stations with soap and water.

Although the Kaduna State Government, through the World Bank-funded AGILE Project, provided 2,629 WASH facilities in schools in 2022, many institutions struggle to maintain them.

A teacher at GGSS Maimuna Gwarzo, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that students are sometimes forced to fetch water from nearby staff quarters as a form of punishment.

“It has been over three months since the borehole broke down, so the toilets remain closed to prevent further damage, as they cannot be used without water,” she said.

In response to the situation, the Deputy Director of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health explained that the government has tasked School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) with maintaining school facilities, particularly WASH infrastructure.

“SBMC members are residents of the communities where the schools are located, and they are responsible for ensuring the facilities are maintained,” she stated.

Malam Auwal Abubakar, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Rigasa, confirmed that their solar-powered borehole failed a few months after installation in 2022.

“We contacted an engineer, who estimated the repair cost at ₦600,000, but our efforts, along with the SBMC, to raise the amount were unsuccessful,” he said.

“I wrote to AGILE about the issue and also spoke to the media. Eventually, AGILE sent a team of engineers who repaired the borehole a few weeks ago.

“Now, we have water, and the toilets are open for the girls to use,” he added.

Unfortunately, this is not the case at GGSS Maimuna Gwarzo, where the borehole remains faulty.

The school’s principal, Aisha Jummai, said she engaged the SBMC to find a solution, but the engine failure prevented water from being pumped.

“Parents have been reluctant to contribute to repairs because it is a public school offering free education,” she noted.

On the way forward, Dr Peter Adamu, a lecturer in the Department of Economics at Kaduna State University, has urged the government, communities, and civil society organisations to adopt a culture of maintenance.

“The government must develop a structured plan for school facility maintenance, including allocating funds for WASH and other essential infrastructure,” he said.

Adamu, who is also a member of the Civil Society on Open Budget and Open Contracting in Kaduna State, recommended hiring dedicated cleaners to maintain the toilets instead of assigning students, which disrupts their learning.

“Parents and community members must collaborate with school authorities to ensure facilities are properly maintained,” he added.

He also stressed that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have a role to play in reporting such issues to the government for swift intervention.

All in all, Stakeholders insist that the persistent neglect of WASH facilities in schools continue to disrupt girls’ education in Kaduna state.

While projects like AGILE have greatly improved access to WASH facilities, stakeholders say poor maintenance and limited community involvement remain key challenges.

To address this, they opined that the state government must integrate WASH facility maintenance into its Education Sector Plan (ESP).

This will ensure effective management and gender-responsive policies that prioritise girls’ needs.

Furthermore, it is believed that local communities and civil society organisations would play their part in providing essential sanitation facilities while ensuring a sustainable maintenance strategy. (NANFeatures)

Women’s voices must be heard in WASH – Self Help Africa
Environment

Women’s voices must be heard in WASH – Self Help Africa

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By Akpan Glory

An Irish charity organisation, Self Help Africa (SHA) Nigeria, has called for urgent action to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles within the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Joy Aderele, Country Director of the organisation made this call in a statement to mark the International Women’s Month in Abuja on Friday.

According to her, in spite being primarily responsible for household water collection, sanitation, and hygiene management, women remain underrepresented in leadership and technical roles.

Citing a 2021 UN Water report, Aderele noted that women account for less than 20 per cent of employees in the global water sector, with even lower representation in WASH-related engineering and management positions.

“In Nigeria, where women constitute nearly half of the population, only a small fraction are involved in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and leadership roles.

“This disparity is even more pronounced in WASH-related decision-making, where men largely dominate, despite women being the primary users and managers of WASH services at the household level”.

Aderele pointed to several barriers that limit women’s participation in the sector, including weak gender mainstreaming in national and state WASH policies, economic constraints, and deeply rooted cultural perceptions.

“There are gaps in the mainstreaming of gender in national and state WASH policies, with weak implementation and insufficient enforcement mechanisms.

“Economic constraints, wage gaps, and limited funding opportunities also make it difficult for women to pursue STEM education or the technical training required for leadership roles in WASH”.

The country director noted that beyond policy and financial limitations, societal norms continue to shape perceptions of leadership and technical expertise.

Aderele stated that WASH-related engineering and policymaking are still widely regarded as male-dominated fields, discouraging women from pursuing careers in the sector.

According to her, safety concerns and mobility restrictions further hinder women’s participation in field-based roles.

Aderele, however stressed that increasing gender diversity in WASH is not just a matter of fairness but an important factor in improving the effectiveness and sustainability of WASH programmes.

“Research shows that when women are involved in decision-making, development initiatives are more inclusive, better maintained, and more responsive to community needs,” she said.

She cited a World Bank report which found that water projects with women in leadership positions were six to seven times more effective than those without.

To close the gender gap in WASH, she called for deliberate and institutionalised action, saying the government must go beyond simply encouraging women’s inclusion in WASH to making it a formal requirement.

“Setting clear targets for women’s representation in decision-making and allocating dedicated funding to support female leadership in the sector are critical steps”.

She also advocated for increased investment in gender-responsive funding mechanisms, including scholarships and grants for women-led WASH initiatives.

She emphasised the need for safe workplaces, mentorship, and advocacy to challenge stereotypes and boost women’s leadership in WASH.

Aderele said SHA Nigeria is actively working to address these challenges through the £5 million WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) programme, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

“We are actively strengthening women’s leadership in community WASH governance, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

“We are strengthening partnerships with organisations like the Network of Female Professionals in WASH (FeminWASH) to amplify women’s voices in the sector.

“In Cross River State, gender inclusion is being prioritised in the review of the Water Supply Policy, and in both Cross River and Kano, we are institutionalising gender-inclusive WASH governance through State and Local Task Groups”.

She emphasised that achieving gender equality in WASH requires collective action from both men and women.

“This Women’s Month serves as a powerful reminder that we must take decisive steps to dismantle systemic barriers and biases. Only then can we create a more equitable world for all”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

UNICEF seeks harmonised Govt. efforts in WASH
Environment

UNICEF seeks harmonised Govt. efforts in WASH

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By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged government agencies to collaborate and optimise resources effectively and prevent duplication in WASH projects across Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.

UNICEF WASH Officer at the Kano Field Office, Mrs Stella Terver, made this appeal on Friday in Zaria.

She spoke during a three-day Institutional WASH System Strengthening Review Meeting for the three states.

Terver emphasised the need to enhance coordination, collaboration, and synergy between agencies to strengthen the WASH system in these states.

“System strengthening is about improving coordination and ensuring that agencies work together rather than in isolation,” she said.

She noted that UNICEF had been supporting the governments of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa for years to improve institutional WASH services.

According to her, the current focus, is on reviewing progress and ensuring that states adhere to agreed action plans.

“We are assessing how far we’ve come and how well the states have implemented the agreed actions,” Terver said.

She added that the review was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of WASH system strengthening efforts, particularly in fostering collaboration among different agencies.

“The purpose of this meeting is to critically examine how well system strengthening has worked in each state.

“We also want to determine whether these efforts have improved collaboration and reduced duplication of resources,” she said.

According to her, UNICEF is assessing the roles of key agencies—including the Ministry of Education, SUBEB (State Universal Basic Education Board), and Primary Health Care (PHC).

“This is to ensure their activities align with those of RUWASA (Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency)”.

According to her, lack of coordination among these agencies often leads to project duplication and unnecessary resource wastage.

“System strengthening is about teamwork. In some schools, you might find an existing WASH facility, yet another one is being built, while other schools have none at all,” she noted.

Terver noted that closing these gaps through improved collaboration was essential to ensuring more children benefitted from WASH services.

A WASH expert, Dr Ishaku Ziyok, specialising in system strengthening, shared his observations from visiting the three states.

He noted that institutional strengthening efforts were beginning to yield results, with key agencies such as RUWASA, SUBEB, and PHCDA (Primary Health Care Development Agency) working more closely together.

According to him, this synergy is already helping to prevent project duplication, as schools in genuine need of support are being identified, especially for solar-powered boreholes.

Some participants, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed satisfaction with the executed projects in the states.

They, however, pointed out that overlapping projects could lead to wasteful spending and hinder progress in crucial sectors like health, education, and water sanitation.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Borno Flood: Preventing disease outbreak through improved sanitation
Features

Borno Flood: Preventing disease outbreak through improved sanitation

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By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Flooding has become an increasingly frequent and devastating worldwide. Often it leaves communities to contend with displacement, disease outbreaks and huge economic losses.

In Borno State, the September 2024 Alau Dam burst revealed shortcomings in emergency preparedness and response systems and underscored the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies.

The catastrophic event displaced thousands of residents, destroyed homes and farmlands; and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.

Beyond the widespread destruction, the flood also caused outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases, exacerbating the region’s already fragile social and health sectors.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Borno flood aggravated an already delicate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) situation in the state.

The UN body says contaminated water sources and damage to sanitation facilities increased the risk of disease outbreaks.

Additionally, the flooding of graveyards and overcrowding in displacement camps further heightened the vulnerability of affected communities to waterborne diseases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 225,000 people have been displaced, with 201 deaths recorded across 15 states.

Furthermore, approximately 115,000 hectares of farmland were submerged, severely impacting food security.

In response to these challenges, collaboration with partners such as WHO and UNICEF has been instrumental in enhancing disease surveillance, early detection, and containment efforts.

These partnerships have also focused on building capacity and mobilising resources to support the affected communities.

Community engagement, led by traditional leaders and local influencers, played a vital role in addressing the crisis by promoting hygiene, dispelling myths, and encouraging proper sanitation practices.

In light of these developments, a delegation from the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group visited cholera- and flood-affected communities in Borno State.

Guided by UNICEF’s 2024 flood severity assessment, the mission aimed to identify challenges, evaluate the implementation of WASH Emergency Working Group plans, and distribute essential supplies to affected areas.

During visits to cholera hotspots and flood-impacted communities, the team highlighted the need for improved dam maintenance, urban planning, and strengthened emergency preparedness to mitigate future disasters.

At the Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, it was observed that WASH interventions were effectively in place.

These efforts, supported by development partners and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), have been credited with preventing a cholera outbreak within the camp.

The camp manager, Abubakar Uba, stated that the camp, reopened on 10th September 2024 following the flood, initially accommodated 14,472 individuals.

He noted that the state government provided financial assistance to 5,000 households and affected individuals.

Currently, the camp operates with four water points and 146 latrines to address its WASH needs.

During a visit to the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), Mr Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels, Director IV Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised the importance of integrating WASH into emergency responses.

He said the initiative’s dual focus on addressing flood crises and tackling public health challenges, such as cholera, while ensuring sustainable water management.

Olu-Daniels sought information on BOSEPA’s collaboration with WASH partners, its strategies for addressing water and sanitation challenges, and its role in empowering local communities.

He commended the state government’s efforts during the flood but stressed the need to strengthen partnerships, identify gaps, and understand BOSEPA’s resource requirements.

The BOSEPA General Manager, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, outlined the agency’s proactive measures following the flood.

These, according to him, are deploying resources and fumigating flood-affected areas to prevent disease outbreaks.

“This effort was made possible by the governor’s timely release of intervention funds, which facilitated the purchase of 10 motorised fumigation tanks and sanitation equipment”.

He added that collaboration with the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and support from partners such as the UNDP and UNICEF helped contain severe outbreaks of cholera and other diseases.

He said the governor also inaugurated a steering committee for the Open Defecation Free Roadmap to advance sanitation initiatives.

Suleiman revealed ongoing efforts such as house-to-house sanitary inspections, monthly sanitation activities, and public sensitisation campaigns led by religious leaders to promote safe water and sanitation practices.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Water Resources, Modu Sanda, emphasised the administration’s commitment to providing potable water.

He said this commitment was being supported by contributions from the Norwegian Refugee Council, Coca-Cola, UNICEF and Action Against Hunger among others.

However, he noted that the recent flood severely damaged infrastructure, with 50 per cent of water treatment plants rendered non-functional.

“Over 29 boreholes and generating sets were submerged, prompting the formation of a technical committee to assess the damage and carry out emergency repairs.

“The boreholes have been rehabilitated, flushed, dismantled, and tested.

“However, our challenge lies in encouraging communities to take ownership of this infrastructure”.

Sanda also said the impact of rural-to-urban migration on access to potable water was worrisome.

“We are considering a review of the Borno State Water Policy”, he added.

The permanent secretary highlighted the impact of climate change, noting a 25 per cent decline in the state’s water table.

He explained that desert encroachment and groundwater depletion are worsening water scarcity in certain areas.

“Aquifers that were once accessible at depths of 350 to 500 metres now require drilling as deep as 450 to 600 metres”.

In spite of these challenges, he said, the stats has made significant progress, including extending pipelines to newly developed communities and solarising 48 boreholes with support from development partners.

Additionally, he said UNICEF has drilled and rehabilitated numerous boreholes, and efforts are ongoing to locally source chlorine to maintain water quality.

Stakeholders recommend investing in early warning systems, strengthening infrastructure, and creating detailed management plans with evacuation routes and shelters.

They emphasise public awareness campaigns, collaboration with disaster agencies, and prioritising recovery efforts to rebuild infrastructure, assist displaced individuals, and apply lessons from past floods. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

WaterAid, CSOs move to prioritise WASH budgets
Environment

WaterAid, CSOs move to prioritise WASH budgets

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By Tosin Kolade

WaterAid Nigeria, in partnership with civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday commenced a training programme to prioritise financing for the underfunded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Theodora Igboaruka, Policy and Advocacy Manager, WaterAid Nigeria, emphasised the role of sanitation and hygiene in national development at a two-day training on WASH Budget Analysis, Tools, and Skills in Abuja.

According to her, these areas have been greatly neglected in spite of their interconnectedness with other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The initiative aims to bridge critical funding gaps and ensure progress toward achieving the SDGs, particularly SDG six, which focuses on universal access to water and sanitation,” she said.

She said the ultimate objective was to create evidence-based tools for advocacy.

Igboaruka explained that the training is designed to equip CSOs with skills to analyse budget trends, assess the share of sanitation and hygiene in national budgets, and identify investment gaps.

“This data will form the foundation for advocacy, providing evidence to engage decision-makers and stakeholders in prioritising sanitation and hygiene financing.

“Collaboration, synergy, and amplified advocacy efforts are crucial to ensure these issues are no longer overlooked but are recognised as essential for national development and global commitments”.

Earlier, Mr Benson Attah, National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), revealed challenges associated with budget transparency and stakeholder engagement.

He noted that while budgeting was essential for planning and resource allocation, it often faced resistance, particularly from civil servants.

“There is a perception of scrutiny and exposure during budget discussions, which leads to apprehension and sometimes resistance,” Attah said.

He recounted an instance where an officer assigned to assist with budget tracking disappeared, illustrating the entrenched resistance to accountability within the system.

Attah stressed that without transparency, it was impossible to assess how funds are utilised or measure their impact.

“This lack of trust erodes credibility and affects governance, particularly in the water and sanitation sector,” he noted.

Attah urged civil servants and stakeholders to view budgeting not as a punitive tool but as a mechanism to ensure efficiency, fairness, and impact.

“This initiative is a step toward bridging the funding gap in the WASH sector and ensuring that Nigeria remains on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants, primarily NEWSAN members, were trained on various skills, including budget trend analysis, tracking, monitoring, and evaluation, among others.

National Cordinator, WASH Media Network, Mr Wale Elekolusi, spoke on the role of the media in promoting water and sanitation issues, calling for  sustained collaboration and advocacy.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

YouthWASH urges prioritisation of toilets, sanitation
Environment

YouthWASH urges prioritisation of toilets, sanitation

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By Tosin Kolade

YouthWASH Initiative Africa has urged all tiers of government to prioritise improving sanitation and eliminating open defecation in Nigeria.

The appeal comes as the organisation, in partnership with NYSC and the Clean Nigeria Campaign, prepares to mark the 5th anniversary of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

YouthWASH Coordinator, Mr Nature Obiakor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the role of young persons in promoting sustainable sanitation efforts cannot be overemphasised.

“As Nigeria battles the public health and environmental challenges posed by open defecation, YouthWASH and its partners are committed to empowering the next generation of sanitation leaders.

“The fight against open defecation requires a united effort, by equipping young people with the tools and platforms to lead, we can create a cleaner and healthier Nigeria”.

He hinted that the National YouthWASH Digital Media Hangout, organised to celebrate the campaign’s achievements, is scheduled to run from November 19 to December 19, 2024.

The theme is “Youth-Led Digital Action for Sustainable Sanitation”.

Obiakor explained that the campaign would feature a 10-day digital media countdown, with daily themes such as ‘The Journey So Far’ and ‘Sanitation and Climate Change’.

“Influencers, youth advocates, and workshops on digital advocacy will drive awareness on social media platforms.

“The main event will include discussions on key sanitation issues and the official launch of YouthWASH Clubs across NYSC camps and schools.

“These clubs aim to sustain sanitation advocacy through grassroots engagement and youth leadership.

“After the event, the campaign will focus on sustaining momentum by sharing digital content, monitoring the impact of YouthWASH Clubs, and organising mentorship sessions for young sanitation advocates”.

According to Obiakor, the initiative’s goals include highlighting the achievements of the Clean Nigeria Campaign in reducing open defecation.

He said leveraging digital platforms to educate and mobilise young people on sanitation and hygiene was important.

Obiakor emphasised the importance of youth involvement, stating that institutionalising sanitation awareness and ongoing training would ensure young leaders drive lasting change in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NEWSAN, climate council partner on water, sanitation integration
Environment

NEWSAN, climate council partner on water, sanitation integration

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By Tosin Kolade

The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), on Tuesday called for the integration of climate change adaptation strategies into Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Mr Benson Attah, National Coordinator of NEWSAN, made this call at a meeting with Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director -General of the National Council on Climate Change, in Abuja.

He said there was a need for collaboration to address the impacts of climate change on the country’s development, particularly within the WASH sector, which directly affects health, safety, and livelihoods.

“Climate change poses a serious setback to development, and we are especially concerned with how it impacts water, sanitation, and hygiene,” Attah said.

He added that while climate change has revealed neglected issues, the setbacks outweigh the benefits.

Attah commended the Federal Government’s recent efforts, supported by UNICEF, to develop a climate change adaptation plan for the WASH sector.

He stressed the importance of collaborating with the National Climate Change Council to fully integrate climate considerations into WASH policies.

“It is not enough to have policies; we must ensure effective implementation across all sectors,“he said.

Mr Williams Ngwakwe, a NEWSAN representative, pointed to the need to address climate-related issues such as flooding and its impact on agriculture and food security.

He stated how early rains followed by drought have damaged crops, and noted that poor sanitation worsened by climate change has contributed to cholera outbreaks in 34 of 36 states.

Ngwakwe urged the council to prioritise these issues in its agenda, emphasising that NEWSAN’s extensive grassroots network could help implement climate-resilient WASH projects.

He cited ongoing efforts to build disability- and girl-friendly sanitation facilities as part of their work.

Responding, Maduekwe acknowledged the importance of building resilience against climate impacts like flooding and high temperatures.

She stressed the need for action, particularly in securing funding through mechanisms like the Green Bond and the loss and damage funds.

Maduekwe called for health and infrastructure projects to be prioritised in climate financing plans.

“We need to strengthen infrastructure that ensures access to clean water and sanitation. Why can’t that be part of Green Bond funding”

“One of the things in the green bond is afforestation, what about health, what about infrastructure, access to WASH.

“How can we get the funding for water, sanitation, so when the government bring out the budget where do we stand.

“Your expertise is very important.  How do we move from paper to reality, do we qualify for loss and damage”.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to continue collaborating on addressing climate change in the WASH sector, with NEWSAN pledging its support to the council’s initiatives.

NEWSAN is a civil society network coordinating NGOs and community-based organisations in the WASH sector, with operations across all 31 states and geopolitical zones in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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