FG Commits To Provision Of Safe, Clean Water To Nigerians

The Federal Government has expressed commitment to provide safe and sustainable water for all Nigerians.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this known while declaring open the 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja.

Prof. Utsev said the conference is an important platform for discussing policies and innovations needed to protect the country’s water resources.

He described this year’s theme, “Water Quality in a Changing Climate: Policies, Innovation and Practice,” as timely, noting that flooding, drought, pollution, and rapid urbanization are increasing pressures on water availability and safety.

The Minister explained that the government is adopting science-based solutions and strengthening partnerships to improve water management.

He highlighted progress made since the 2025 conference, including the rollout of Climate-Resilient Community Water Safety Plans in 100 communities in Bauchi State and the adoption of the One Health approach for integrated water safety planning.

He added that the Federal Government is improving water monitoring through the National Water Quality Reference Laboratory Network and working to deploy a National Water Quality Dashboard to enhance data-driven decision-making.

He emphasized that efforts to protect water sources, restore polluted water bodies, and support states in strengthening regulatory agencies are also underway.

In a goodwill message, the Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Senator Kenneth Eze, assured that the National Assembly will continue to support policies that improve access to safe water.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Umobong, called for urgent action to tackle climate-driven threats to water resources, stressing that safe water is a public health priority.

Other speakers, including Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, reaffirmed commitments to water stewardship and highlighted the launch of the National Water Quality Handbook developed with the Ministry and OPS-WASH.

The conference, organised with partners including SURWASH, UNICEF, WaterAid, Nestlé Nigeria, OPS-WASH, and SFH, continues until April 1 with technical sessions.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji