NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Completion of 0m greater Abuja water supply project excites Wike
Metro

Completion of $470m greater Abuja water supply project excites Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, expressed excitement for completing the 470 million dollars Greater Abuja Water Supply Project eight years after.

Wike expressed his excitement in Abuja on Monday. at the inauguration of the project by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He explained that the project was awarded in 2017 under a partnership with the African Development Initiative to take care of loop one, two, five and six.

He added that the Chinese government provided 85 per cent of the funds while the Federal Government and the FCT provided 15 per cent.

The minister added that the project was completed in just two years in office, following Tinubu’s directive to improve water supply in the city.

“Although the project was awarded since 2017, your administration has completed it and today we are inaugurating it to improve water supply in the city,” he said.

Wike recalled that the FCT Administration had in 2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese company to provide water in FCT satellite towns.

“I want to say today, that we almost completed the procurement process to provide water to residents of Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu among other communities.

“So, Mr President, you are not only providing water to residents in the cities; you are also providing water to residents in satellite towns,” he added.

He thanked Tinubu for the support and assured the President that this project would be completed and inaugurated in 2026 to celebrate his third year in office.

He equally thanked the National Assembly for the tireless support, which he described as “very encouraging”.

Inaugurating the project, Tinubu described it as a “monumental effort” that would ensure safe, sustainable and sufficient water to homes, institutions and communities across the capital city.

According to him, water is not a luxury, but a basic for human right and a foundation for public health, urban development and economic growth.

He thanked Wike for exhibiting a very great virtue of leadership.

“This virtue is when a leader is very conscious of the needs of his people and he goes about, committed with dedication to do it.

“That’s what you have been exhibiting in FCT,” Tinubu said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, thanked Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and for making the delivery of essential services a key priority of his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“Your excellency, your leadership has breathed new life into long-standing projects such as this one, transforming plans on paper into realities that directly impact the lives of our citizens.

“The completion of these water supply loops clearly demonstrates your administration’s resolve to ensure that no community is left behind in our pursuit of national development,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the completed project would significantly improve access to potable water supply in the city.

Dauda said that the project involves the construction of water supply pipes in loops one, two, five and six in line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.

He added that it involves laying of 425-kilometre (km) of ductile iron pipes at various diametres, comprising 256 km of main lines and 169 km of distribution lines.

“The scope of the project includes site clearance and excavation, construction of loops one and two in Phase II, III and part of Phase IV in the norther development corridor and loops five and six in Phase II and III in the southern development corridor of the city,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Why there’s partial disruption of water supply in FCT – Wike
Metro

Why there’s partial disruption of water supply in FCT – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the disruption of water supply in Abuja city and some satellite towns is due to the ongoing major rehabilitation of two water treatment plants.

Wike disclosed this in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Sunday.

He said that the treatment plants were among the four facilities responsible for the production and supply of water to FCT residents.

The minister said that due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the plants, water supply from the two functioning treatment plants would be rationed for a period of two weeks.

“What is being experienced is a partial and not a total shutdown of the entire water supply to the residents of FCT, as two of the water treatment plants are still in operation.

“SCC Nigeria Ltd. is, however, working 24/7 to ensure that the rehabilitation are concluded before the scheduled time.

“Residents are, therefore, urged to store enough water to cater for their needs during this period, as supply will be rationed,’’ he said.

Wike appealed to the residents to bear with the FCT Administration, assuring that the rehabilitation, when completed, would improve water supply in the FCT.

He, however, said that the two plants undergoing rehabilitation would be temporarily powered to supply water to residents during Sallah celebrations.

“The FCT Water Board operates four water treatment plants of 30,000m3/hour, which are divided into Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4.

“As a result of the inefficiency of the plants, which are currently producing below their installed capacity, a contract was awarded for their rehabilitation to Messrs SCC Nigeria Ltd.

“The rehabilitation works have reached an advanced stage on Phases 1 and 2 where the electro-mechanical equipment, which is the prime mover of the treatment plants, are to be replaced and reinstalled.

“This warranted a total shutdown of the two plants, which are interconnected.

“However, phases 3 and 4 water treatment plants are operational but won’t sustain, meet or cater for the demands of the populace,” he said.

Wike said that the Water Board had made a rationing time-table by alternating between lines 1 and 2 of the distribution network.

This, according to him, will minimise the adverse effects of inadequate water supply to FCT residents. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/’Wale Sadeeq

FG completes 565 water projects in 2 years — Minister
Agriculture

FG completes 565 water projects in 2 years — Minister

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Projects

By Tosin Kolade
The Federal Government says it has completed and inaugurated 565 water supply schemes, three multipurpose dams, four major irrigation projects, and several sanitation facilities within the last two years.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Utsev explained that these achievements were part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

He noted that the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in boosting agriculture and ensuring food and water security.

According to him, the government has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi, and Amla Dam in Benue.

”These projects are expected to support irrigation, enhance electricity generation, and promote agro-industrial development”.

He also announced the successful concessioning of the 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba, and the integrated Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, which generated more than N7.1 billion as commencement fee for the first five years into the federal concession account.

On irrigation, the minister disclosed that four projects which include the Bakalori and Dadin-Kowa schemes in Zamfara and Gombe States, respectively, providing thousands of hectares of irrigated farmlands for dry-season farming have been completed.

”Two micro-irrigation projects have also been completed in Oyo and Jigawa to support smallholder farmers,” he said.

Utsev also disclosed that four major water projects have been completed in Jigawa, Yobe, and the FCT, while three others in Gombe and Yobe were already 90 per cent completed.

”Through collaboration with states and partners, 565 water supply schemes were constructed under PEWASH, SURWASH, and the AfDB programmes, serving over 450,000 people,” he added.

He also announced that 40 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 142 across the country.

”We have constructed 159 sanitation facilities in 23 states and developed advocacy jingles in five languages, reaching more than 25 million Nigerians,” he said.

The minister further revealed that 14 dams and several irrigation projects were near completion across Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara States, while more than 100 new water supply projects were awarded in 2024.

”The ministry has also commenced the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project in 20 states to modernise existing infrastructure and explore hydropower generation,” he added.

He emphasised efforts to revitalise River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) by partnering with the private sector and state governments.

”We have leased 4,429 hectares of farmland to commercial farmers and developed irrigation infrastructure for 154,000 hectares, creating jobs for more than 1.6 million farmers.

”Other notable agency activities include issuing 24 water use licenses by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, training of 1,377 youths in plumbing and drilling by the National Water Resources Institute.

”We also have the publication of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency,” the minister revealed.

Utsev said the ministry plans to complete 11 new projects in 2025, roll out school and public sanitation initiatives, and develop a National Framework for Flood Insurance.

”We will continue to work towards food security, job creation, and economic growth through sustainable water management,” he added.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu, development partners, state governments, and the media for their support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Deborah Coker

FG, ICRC partner on water, sanitation infrastructure
Environment

FG, ICRC partner on water, sanitation infrastructure

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By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting Public-Private Partnerships in the water and sanitation sector in collaboration with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

This collaboration is aimed at advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Utsev made this known during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, and his delegation to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

He stressed that strengthening ties with the ICRC is essential for expanding access to water and sanitation infrastructure across Nigeria.

According to the minister, PPPs remain a vital strategy for mobilising private sector involvement and investment in critical sectors.

“Our collaboration must be sustained to fast-track access to safe water, improve sanitation, and boost food production. We are particularly focused on advancing PPP models through the River Basin Development Authorities,” he stated.

Utsev also outlined the ongoing National Campaign to End Open Defecation, adding that a clean and healthy environment is crucial for attracting investment and improving public health outcomes.

He further disclosed that President Tinubu has directed the ministry to assess the status and structural integrity of all dams across the country to determine their suitability for water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation.

According to him, these integrity assessments will help unlock the economic potential of the dams and support the country’s broader development objectives.

In his remarks, Ewalefoh, commended the ministry for its leadership in advancing key infrastructure projects that align with both national priorities and global targets, including Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

He underlined the role of PPPs in delivering impactful, transparent, and bankable initiatives.

He cited landmark projects such as the Dasin-Hausa Dam, Farin Ruwa, Manya, Bawarku, Grand Katsina-Ala, Kashimbila Airport, and Gurara II Dam.

Ewalefoh proposed deeper collaboration in expanding rural water infrastructure, rehabilitating dams, enhancing sanitation facilities, and scaling up hydropower initiatives.

He also recommended exploring innovative PPP models such as a National Sanitation Framework, desalination projects, bulk water supply schemes, and smart water utilities under PPP arrangements.

He urged the management of the River Basin Development Authorities to participate in the PPP National Summit scheduled for June 14, 2025, to strengthen partnerships and attract greater investment in the water and sanitation sectors.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Naval chief provides potable water for Niger community
Defence/Security

Naval chief provides potable water for Niger community

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla has inaugurated an integrated solar-powered motorised industrial borehole at Bayan Waya Community in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, Ogalla said the water project was one of his Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects (SIQIP) being executed in communities across the country.

He said the borehole was constructed with 60,000 litres capacity overhead water tank, provision of water points, perimeter fencing as well as provision of solar lighting units around the perimeter of the site.

He was represented at the event by the Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Adm. Monday Unurhiere.

According to him, the SIQIP is to facilitate the attainment of the re-invigorated Nigerian Navy’s Civil Military Cooperation’s mandate and to contribute to ongoing Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The CNS stated that the projects were avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honor its accomplished senior officers and demonstrate that beyond physically securing lives and properties, it was committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other ways.

“Today’s commissioning of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project undertaken by an illustrious son of Kontagora, Rear Adm. Abdulmajid Ibrahim is yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy civil-military cooperation annals.

“Not only do these projects resonate with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, it aptly captures the essence for the quick impact projects as conceived by the CNS.

“Indeed, Rear Adm. Ibrahim’s choice to put smiles on the faces of the community typifies Maya Angelou’s avowal that kindness takes courage.

“We therefore salute the senior officer’s mettle and urge him on to more humanitarian endeavors with the novelist Robin Sharma’s words that ‘Each person who delivers kindness stays with us forever’.

“These projects will enhance the quality of lives in this community, I believe that the senior officer and indeed the Nigerian Navy will certainly not be hurriedly forgotten,” he said.

The CNS urged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly so it will endure.

He also appealed to the community and Niger State at large to continue to, in keeping with the tenets of civil-military cooperation, collaborate with the Navy, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to eliminate threats to their collective well-being.

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago, represented by the Commissioner for Home Land Security, Retired Brig.-Gen. Bello Mohammed, appreciated the navy for the project.

Bago described the project as a significant and impactful initiative of the navy that reflected a strong and commendable sense of national service and commitment to community development.

He said the water project was not just a structure, but a lifeline, adding that it was a testimony to what is possible when security agencies go beyond their traditional mandates to invest in human capital and community welfare.

“Water is essential to life. It is the bedrock of food security, public health, sanitation, and dignity.

“This borehole will undoubtedly alleviate the suffering of the people of Bayan Waya and transform daily life, particularly for women, children, and farmers.

“As we celebrate this achievement, I want to emphasise the importance of community ownership and maintenance.

“This project, which is now a part of your community, should be guarded jealously, maintained regularly, and used responsibly,” he said.

The project facilitator, who is the Chief of Naval Safety and Standard, Rear Adm. Abdulmajid Ibrahim, said the Nigerian Navy has contributed in solving some of the welfare needs of communities across the country.

Ibrahim said the project in Kontagora Emirate marked another significant milestone in the navy’s Civil-Military Relations commitment to communities in Nigeria.

“It is worthy to note that this is one of several projects executed as part of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project across the country.

“Bayan Waya community is now a proud beneficiary of the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project with the commissioning of this Integrated Motorised Solar Powered Industrial Borehole with 60,000 litres capacity overhead Tank,” he said.

The project Inauguration event was graced by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammed Barau Mu’azu II, Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora- Represented by Magayaki of Kontagora, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed.

Also at the ceremony is the Member Representing Kotongora 1 Constituency in the Niger State House of Assembly, Umar Sani. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FG commissions N5.7bn Gashua water scheme in Yobe
Environment

FG commissions N5.7bn Gashua water scheme in Yobe

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By Akpan Glory

The Federal Government has commissioned the 5.7 billion naira Gashua water supply scheme in Yobe, as part of its efforts to expand access to safe and potable water in underserved communities across Nigeria.

Unveiled on Tuesday, by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the project is expected to serve over one million residents of Gashua and neighbouring communities in Bade Local Government Area.

Speaking at the commissioning held at the Gashua Water Works in Filin Tanda, Utsev outlined the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing longstanding water supply challenges in the region.

The minister in a statement noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises clean water access as a pillar of public health, economic growth, and poverty reduction.

According to the minister, the scheme features four solar-powered borehole-based water systems, including one within a university campus.

It also includes a modern water treatment facility, surface and elevated storage tanks, electro-mechanical installations, and an extensive transmission and distribution network.

Utsev urged inclusive stakeholder participation and emphasised the need for the state water board to ensure the infrastructure is sustainably managed for long-term community benefit.

He also acknowledged other ongoing federal government interventions in the state, including the Damaturu Lots A & B, Nguru, Fika/Gadaka, and Potiskum water supply projects.

Commending the federal government’s commitment, Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, represented by Deputy Governor Idi Barde, expressed appreciation for the intervention.

He noted the significance of clean water in improving healthcare outcomes and fostering socio-economic development, especially in northern Yobe, where residents have grappled with chronic water scarcity.

He further referenced ongoing research into possible links between local water quality and a rise in kidney-related illnesses.

Former Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, who was also present, recalled that the project was initiated in response to recurring outbreaks of waterborne diseases in Gashua.

He lauded the Tinubu administration and the water resources and sanitation ministry for prioritising clean water access.

The ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, congratulated the Government and people of Yobe and encouraged community members to take ownership of the facility to ensure its protection and sustainability.

Also in attendance were directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, including Mr Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply and Support Services, who presented an overview of the project.

The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of handover documents and the official commissioning of the water scheme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the urgency of this project is underscored by a reported surge in kidney diseases among residents of Gashua and its environs.

An investigation by the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna is also underway to determine the causes of the high prevalence of kidney diseases in the area. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Water transportation: FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to states
General News

Water transportation: FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to states

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By Rita Iliya

The Federal Government has begun the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to 12 states across the country to enhance safe water transportation.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, commenced the distribution at the 2025 Safety and Sensitisation/Enlightenment Campaign in Minna on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was to promote the use of life jackets reduce loss of lives and property on inland waterways across country.

“Today’s event embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways for transportation, commerce, and sustenance,” Oyetola said.

He attributed the rising incidence of boat mishaps to human error, mechanical failures, adverse weather, and poor safety equipment.

The minister added that inland waterway boat mishaps was a complex factor that required urgent action.

He said 3,500 life jackets would be given to each of the states.

Oyetola urged state governments, community leaders, boat operators, and the commuting public to support the deployment, utilisation, and strict enforcement of use of safety gears.

He commended Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger for his efforts toward improving riverine transportation within the state.

He said that the initiative was part of Federal Government’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions to boat mishaps.

He announced the establishment of a Special Committee on Boat mishaps to review incidents, identify systemic deficiencies, and propose measures to eliminate accidents.

In his address, the governor commended the minister for initiating the distribution of life jackets to 12 states starting with Niger.

Bago, represented by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of Niger House of Assembly, said the state had experienced numerous boat accidents in the country.

Bago emphasised the need for safety measures to curtail such incidences and called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the life jackets to save lives and promote safety.

Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, Commissioner for Transport in Niger, noted that the state had stationed water marshals in all 25 local government areas of the state.

She said the marshals are to enforce safety regulations and prevent accidents in the waterways across the state.

She emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure the effectiveness of the safety measures.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, expressed gratitude to the minister for the life jacket distribution.

He highlighted the minister’s commitment to service, noting that the initiative was a testament to his dedication to humanity.(NAN)
Edited by Joe Idika

FG unveils water project at Abuja NYSC camp
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

Nigeria urges swift action on Africa’s water security
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

 

FG constructs 12 reference labs to monitor water quality
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

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