NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Environment

FG unveils water project at Abuja NYSC camp

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has inaugurated a solar-powered water facility at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Kubwa, FCT, as part of the 2025 World Water Day celebrations.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving water and sanitation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Utsev described NYSC as a crucial institution where young Nigerians undergo mandatory national service, making access to clean water essential for their well-being.

He said the ministry had taken proactive steps to address water and sanitation challenges at the camp, which accommodates thousands of corps members every two weeks.

“This water facility will significantly improve access to clean water, promote hygiene, and enhance overall health within the camp.

“The initiative aligns with the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, which aims to improve sanitation nationwide,” he stated.

Utsev also highlighted the 2025 World Water Day theme:, ‘Glacier Preservation’, noting that glacier loss contributes to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and water shortages, which impact Nigeria.

He urged corps members and camp officials to take ownership of the facility and use it responsibly to ensure its long-term sustainability.

The minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership in enhancing water infrastructure.

He also commended the NYSC leadership and stakeholders for their contributions, encouraging Nigerians to support sustainable water management efforts.

Earlier, the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunke Nafiu, represented by Alhaji Jimkashi Abdullahi, the Deputy Director Planning, Research and Policy, thanked the ministry for its dedication to improving water access.

Abdullahi acknowledged that water supply has been a longstanding challenge at NYSC camps, affecting both corps members and camp officials.

He emphasised that clean water is fundamental to health, productivity, and sustainable development.

“This intervention represents a significant step towards improving water supply at the camp.

“It also highlights what can be achieved through collaboration between government agencies, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in addressing national development challenges,” he said.

He assured that NYSC management would continue to partner with the government to support national development and urged corps members and staff to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the facility.

“This project is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in Nigeria’s future. I commend all those who contributed to making it a reality and appreciate your presence at this event,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to create awareness on global water challenges.

In sub-saharan Africa, 387 million still struggle without safe water, a crisis set to worsen as the continent’s population rises to 2.5 billion by 2050. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Environment

Nigeria urges swift action on Africa’s water security

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By Tosin Kolade

Nigeria’s Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for urgent measures to address Africa’s water security and sanitation challenges, citing slow progress toward the Africa Water Vision 2025.

Utsev made the appeal at the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) West Africa sub-regional meeting and consultation on the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy in Abuja on Tuesday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, the minister expressed concerns over the region’s water and sanitation situation.

“Africa remains off track in realising the Africa Water Vision 2025,” he stated, citing data from the 2024 Water Sector and Sanitation Monitoring and Reporting (WASSMO) report.

According to Utsev, the report revealed that financing for the water and sanitation sector is inadequate, with heavy reliance on Official Development Assistance (ODA), making sustainable funding difficult.

He further noted that 800 million people in Africa lacked access to safely managed sanitation services, while over 400 million people lacked  access to safely managed drinking water.

“Open defecation remains a significant challenge, with 23 per cent of the population still practicing it, far from the five per cent target by 2025.

“The situation calls for action to inject new approaches into existing strategies to attract commensurate financial resources to the water and sanitation sector at all levels,” he said.

Utsev also warned that the continent’s growing population and climate change would further strain water resources.

“Africa’s population is expected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, and with an expected 1.5°C rise in average temperature, we face an increase in water-related natural disasters and economic losses,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening water security, improving sanitation and hygiene, and enhancing food security.

He outlined several key projects being implemented by his ministry to improve livelihoods, promote sustainable water management, and maximise socio-economic development.

He also announced plans for a National WASH Policy, developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders, to align Nigeria’s water and sanitation efforts with global standards.

The minister commended AMCOW, the AU Commission, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for leading the development of the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy.

He urged stakeholders to align the new framework with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063, ensuring regional cooperation and better access to funding.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, stressed the need for increased investment in Africa’s water sector as the continent reviewed  progress on the Africa Water Vision 2025.

He noted that the initial vision, established in 2000, aimed for equitable water resource utilisation to drive development, reduce poverty, and protect the environment.

“Now we are in 2025, which was the target year for achieving that vision. We have assessed what we have accomplished, what remains unachieved, and what needs to be prioritised moving forward.

“Ultimately, water is key to our socio-economic development,” Mbaziira stated.


He explained that in 2022, African water ministers decided to evaluate progress and use the findings as a foundation for shaping a new vision aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

He highlighted that the meeting provided a platform for West Africa to identify its regional priorities, which would be integrated with insights from other African regions to develop a post-2025 Africa Water Vision.

“One of the key challenges that has emerged is insufficient financing for the water sector, which has limited its contribution to development. Addressing this gap will be crucial in shaping the way forward,” he added.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of AfDB, the AU Commission, Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee and others.

Founded in 2002, AMCOW promotes cooperation, security, economic development, and poverty eradication through effective water resource management and supply services.

In 2008, at the 11th ordinary session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Sharm el-Sheikh, Heads of State and Government of the AU agreed on commitments to accelerate the achievement of water and sanitation goals in Africa.

AMCOW was mandated to develop and follow up an implementation strategy for these commitments.

(NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

 

Environment

FG constructs 12 reference labs to monitor water quality

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has established 12 water quality reference laboratories across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve water quality monitoring and surveillance.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced this at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, said the laboratories were established under the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories and Monitoring Network Programme.

He also noted the introduction of the Freshwater Restoration and Source Water Protection Programme, aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s water sources, including rivers, lakes and artificial reservoirs.

Utsev said access to safe water is a priority under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the government committed to tackling sector challenges through partnerships and innovation.

He added that quality plays a vital role in public health, socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

He recalled that “according to the 2021 Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcomes Routine Monitoring (WASHNORM) Report, 67 per cent of Nigeria’s population has access to basic water supply services.

“However, a significant proportion still lacks access to safely managed drinking water, with 25 per cent of the population relying on unimproved or surface water sources, which pose a high risk of waterborne diseases.”

He acknowledged that poor sanitation remains a major concern, as open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal continue to contaminate water sources.

The minister stated that the ministry is leveraging modern technologies and collaborating with both local and international partners to enhance water quality management.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to eradicating open defecation and ensuring improved water and sanitation standards across the country.

“To further enhance water quality assurance, the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality, the Nigerian Standards for Ambient Water Quality, and the soon-to-be-finalised Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality have been established.

“Additionally, the Community Water Safety Plan has been introduced to empower rural communities with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent water contamination.

“The ministry has also commenced the production of hydrogen sulphide vials for microbial water quality assessment, which is currently being tested in UNICEF-supported states”, he said.

Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing safe drinking water for all Nigerians, promoting public health and economic productivity.

She emphasised that ensuring water safety is a public health, economic and environmental priority.

“We all know that contaminated water is a major cause of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea, which hinders socio-economic development.

“It is our collective responsibility to develop and implement robust policies, institutional frameworks and innovative solutions to improve water safety nationwide,” she said.

UNICEF WASH Manager, Mr Chiranjibi Tiwari, warned that two-thirds of Nigeria’s water sourcesare contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella, causing severe waterborne diseases like cholera.

He cited a 2021 WASHNORM data, reporting 111,000 cholera cases and 3,600 deaths, with outbreaks persisting, including in Lagos, a traditionally low-risk area.

He warned that contaminated water threatens public health, education and productivity, stressing the need for urgent, coordinated action to achieve SDG 6 on Universal Clean Water Access.

He also linked safe water access to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, warning that failure to act would hinder national progress.

Tiwari called for stronger collaboration among development partners, NGOs, civil society, academia, media and the private sector.

He urged stakeholders to form structured partnerships, particularly with the private sector, to develop household water treatment technologies and public awareness campaigns to promote safer water practices.

The UNESCO representative, Dr Enang Moma, warned that water pollution could pose serious risks to health, food production, ecosystems and economic growth.

She highlighted the impact of untreated wastewater, industrial chemicals and emerging pollutants, exacerbated by climate change.

Without improved water monitoring, she cautioned, 4.8 billion people could face health risks by 2030, stressing the urgency of pollution control and better wastewater treatment to prevent diseases like cholera and schistosomiasis.

She reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through its Intergovernmental Hydrology Programme (IHP) and technical expertise.

Representatives of WaterAid, Water Correspondents Association of Nigeria, ministries of health and environment, and other partners delivered goodwill messages. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

General News

FG awards 113 water contracts, completes 40 in 2024

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By Isaiah Eka

The Federal Government on Thursday said that it awarded 113 water contracts in 2024 and completed 40 of the projects.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made the remark in his keynote address at the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting is  “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change”,

He said that the ministry, in line with  Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, leveraged on revolutionising irrigation programme to boost food security in and alleviate poverty.

Utsev said that the ministry had continued to work towards the revitalisation and sustainability of the water supply sub-sector.

He said that it also provided strategic guidance for the effective delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene services across the nation.

The minister said that water supply was included in some significant progress made by the ministry in 2024.

Utsev said that ministry had perfected over 40 different projects across rural, small town and urban areas.

He stated that other achievements included the construction of 44 projects under the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) programme;

He said that among the project completed were 45 projects under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme;

Others are implementation of 64 projects funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Inclusive Basic Delivery System for Development and Livelihood Empowerment Improvement Project.

Utsev said that a total of 113 contracts for water supply was awarded which were currently at various stages of construction.

He further said that plans were underway to construct additional dams across the country.

According to him, this is aimed at expanding water storage capacity to address flood and enhance food security through irrigation.

‘’Irrigation is a critical role in food security, economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction,’’ the minister said.

In his  remarks, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom said that the state government would work tirelessly to ensure that citizens enjoyed the initiatives and programmes outlined in the President’s agenda.

He said that tha ARISE Agenda of his administration was aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu.

He urged the federal government to reactivate  the abandoned dams in Nkari and Ibiono Ibom in Ini and Ibiono Ibom LGAs respectively.

According to him, these dams, when revitalised, would drive agricultural growth and economic prosperity in the state.

Eno said that government had implemented several initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate through Flood Mitigation Committee,

“We want to reiterate our administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges of water and food security in the face of climate change.

“We recognise that these challenges required a collective response.

“Together we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all Nigerians,” he said.

The Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Sada Soli said the National Assembly was ready to play its role as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He described the theme of the meeting as apt, considering the increasing awareness of the need for sustainable development of water resources for various purposes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Jane-Frances Oraka

Environment

Water, sanitation, food security critical to national development –FG

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By Isaiah Eka

Mr Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has stated that water, sanitation, and food security are essential to Nigeria’s development.

Pheelangwah made this remark at the 31st regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting is “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change”.

The permanent secretary, who also serves as the Council’s Chairman, noted that water, sanitation, and food security have a direct impact on public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.

He urged the National Technical Committee, which is holding a five-day session, to identify challenges and propose solutions through the memoranda to be presented.

“The theme of this year’s Council meeting was carefully chosen to reflect the critical importance of water, food security, and the negative impacts of climate change on our people.

“This theme is timely, as it could not have come at a better moment.

“It is important that we continue to meet because what we know today may not hold tomorrow.

“Life keeps evolving, and we must evolve with it; otherwise, what we considered relevant yesterday becomes obsolete today,” he said.

He further noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security necessitates action from relevant ministries and authorities to ensure adequate irrigation and year-round farmland cultivation for food production.

The permanent secretary also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and development partners for their unwavering support of the ministry’s efforts.

In her remarks, Mrs Emah Udonsek, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised that water and food security are fundamental to human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

She noted the timeliness of the theme, noting its focus on sustainable water resource management and food security for Nigerians.

“The theme also underscores the urgent need for action, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change,” she said.

Udonsek added that the future of food security and water availability is closely tied to the nation’s ability to adapt to climate change.

NAN reports that development partners and key stakeholders delivered goodwill messages during the opening session of the technical meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Illustration for water scarcity
Environment

Water to become precious commodity in Nigeria – UNICEF

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Water

By Muhammad Nasir

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised an alarm that water could soon become a highly precious commodity in Nigeria.

UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Christiane Munduate, issued the warning during an interview with journalists in Sokoto on Thursday.

Munduate warned that, if authorities in Nigeria failed to address environmental challenges and combat the effects of climate change, there would be water scarcity across several communities.

She said that environmental degradation and improper waste management practices were aggravating water scarcity in the country.

The UNICEF official urged the authorities to enforce existing laws to curb the indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic and polythene materials, which were harming the environment.

“In Nigeria, water will become the most precious commodity or product in the future.

“This will surpass the current value of solid minerals, oil and gas resources,” she warned.

Munduate, who was on a working visit to the North West, also expressed concerns about the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes.

She stated that the practice was worsening the effects of climate change.

She called on governments at all levels to prioritise the provision of clean water, emphasising its role in preventing diseases and improving public health.  (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Christiana Fadare

General News

N-HYPPADEC rehabilitates moribund Bida water works

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By Mohammed Baba Busu

The National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Commission (N-HYPPADEC), says the rehabilitation works of the over 20 years moribund Bida water works has reached 90 per cent completion stage.

Dr Itilatyaa Daniel, the Director of Engineering and Technical Services in the commission, said this during the confirmatory test of five MVA transformers purchased by the commission at the site in Bida on Thursday.

Represented by Suleiman Ajibola-Adebara, the director said the rehabilitation would solve the perennial water scarcity in Bida and environs.

According to him, the five MVA transformers will be install soon to fasttrack commissioning of the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the revitalisation of the Bida Mana Water Works has gained momentum with the supply of transformers by the commission to hasten power supply to the upgraded treatment plant.

The Head of Electrical Division of the commission, Ibrahim Adamu-Haruna noted that the transformers for the running of the treatment pumps purchased by Niger Government over time, had been test-run and confirmed satisfactory.

Adamu-Haruna said that the 11 KVA line was upgraded to 33 KVA, which was sufficient to run the pumps accordingly.

He said the plant was designed with 5,000 cubic metres capacity per hour, thereby alleviating the sufferings of an estimated two million beneficiaries in the area.

The contractor handling the project, Shafi’yi Yabagi said the project covered expansion of reticulation system, provision of more booster stations, treatment plant and reservoir, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Environment

NIHSA strengthens water management framework

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By Tosin Kolade

The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving water resource management through strategic policies and programmes.

The agency’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, made this commitment at a workshop on Monday in Abuja.

The workshop was to validate the draft regional Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for the Niger Basin and the Iullemeden-Taoudeni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems (NB-ITTAS).

Mohammed stated the workshop’s importance in educating stakeholders about improving the management, governance, conservation, and protection of water resources.

“Strengthening water resource management frameworks and institutions in the region will significantly enhance the livelihoods of citizens, ” he said.

The NIHSA D-G emphasised the need to boost water resource availability by improving groundwater recharge systems and enhancing existing groundwater extraction facilities.

He also stressed the importance of raising awareness among local stakeholders and building their capacity for the sustainable management and protection of water resources.

“It is essential to ensure that local stakeholders are informed about these issues and equipped to improve water resource management and protection.

“Water resources must be managed efficiently and adaptively by implementing economically viable agricultural practices resilient to climate change,” Muhammed said.

He further said that NIHSA’s capacity was being strengthened for effective quantitative and qualitative monitoring of the region’s water resources.

Prof. Tiegaan Amada, Regional Consultant for the NB-ITTAS Strategic Action Plan, said that the workshop aimed to identify and address gaps in existing water resource policies.

He said that the initiative integrated the management of surface water, groundwater, and related ecosystems to improve water security for the population.

“By analysing policy gaps, this initiative creates an opportunity to introduce strategies that promote the joint management of surface and groundwater resources and associated ecosystems,” Amada said.

The Director of Hydrogeophysics at NIHSA, Mr Stephen Jabo, announced plans to establish an institutional body to manage the shared water resources of the participating countries.

Jabo highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, especially in the Sahelian regions where water scarcity is a critical issue.

“A mechanism will be established to govern and manage shared water resources, encompassing both surface and groundwater systems.

“For Sahelian regions facing acute water scarcity, it is vital for the countries involved to collaborate effectively to manage these limited resources,” he said.

He identified six participating countries; Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Mauritania,  that are expected to foster regional cooperation for the NB-ITTAS Aquifer System.

Jabo said that each country was dedicated to building a strong knowledge base for shared water resources.

He said that they were also establishing governance frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable management for current and future generations.

“This workshop aims to facilitate collective commitment among these nations to equitable sharing and sustainable management of joint water resources, benefiting both current and future generations,” he said ”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahma

Foreign

Water stress, mobility challenges hindering Morocco’s regional development– King Mohammed VI

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Moroccan Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier, Morocco.(NAN)

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

King Mohammed VI of Morocco, says that water stress crisis, transportation and mobility system, and adhering to digital transition process are among the challenges and risks hindering development efforts in Morocco’s regions.

 

The king said this in his message read by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, to the participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier.

 

He said it was necessary not only to provide the water infrastructure needed, but also to establish good water governance to enhance the integrated approach in public water policy.

 

“Indeed, properly tackling water stress is a key entry point for the achievement of sustainable local and regional development,” he said.

 

The king emphasised the growing dynamism of Morocco as a regional hub that attracts investment and the large-scale projects launched as part of the country’s preparations to host the 2030 World Cup.

 

He said that developing a sustainable transportation system was a basic requirement for achieving integrated regional development, and a key entry point for reducing spatial and social disparities at regional level.

 

“To achieve this goal, regions and local governments are expected to contribute to developing this sector, and accompany the efforts made by the state in this regard,” he said.

 

He expressed the hope that the second edition of the conference would be a chance to take stock of what has been achieved with respect to implementing advanced regionalisation, and to consolidate positive interaction between all the stakeholders concerned.

 

“I also hope you will identify the most effective ways to make advanced regionalisation a lever for economic and social development.

 

“This will help address development challenges, unequal growth, and regional disparities,’’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Environment

FG to improve water supply in Air force bases- Utsev

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), to address water challenges at several Air Force bases across the country.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, revealed this collaboration during a meeting with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Utsev emphasised the role of water in ensuring the smooth operations of military personnel.

He disclosed that a technical team would be dispatched immediately to assess the water infrastructure at affected bases.

This evaluation, he added would focus on providing interventions to improve water supply for Air Force officers and personnel.

The Minister commended the Nigerian Air Force and other military formations for their contributions to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and assured continued support and collaboration.

Earlier, Abubakar revealed the pressing water challenges at Air Force bases in Gombe, Kaduna, and Bayelsa.

He appealed to the Ministry for urgent assistance to enhance operations at these locations.

The partnership, he said underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing essential infrastructure needs to support the armed forces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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