Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Critical To Economic Devt

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, issues are critical to the economic and social development of the country.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev made this known at the Nigeria and UNICEF annual WASH review meeting in Abuja.

Prof. Utsev lamented that despite the federal government’s commitment, Nigeria still lags behind in accessing quality water supply.

He added that WASH is significant as its impact cuts across health, education, economy and others.

“The government is concerned that the sanitation and hygiene services has worrisomely lagged behind due to poor access to water supply both at the national and globallyy. According to the 2021 WASHNORM Report, access to basic water supply, sanitation and hygiene services in Nigeria were estimated at 67%,46%and 17%.

“WASH issues have been determined to be fundamental to economic and social development. It also has crosscutting impact on different sectors, mainly health, education, economy and others. Consequently, achieving the WASH target under SDG 6 in Nigeria is critical as it will contribute to the achievement of our developmental goal as a nation, with regional and global implementation in view of the country’s strategic position”, he said.

The Minister appreciated the water stakeholders, adding that the government is looking forward to new perspectives that will contribute to fasten the attainment of the set objectives.

In his welcome address, the Permanet Secretary, Aliyu Shinkafi who was represented by the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, in the Ministry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, commended the dedication and hard work of all stakeholders involved in the WASH initiatives across Nigeria.

He added that the collaboration between the Federal Government and UNICEF has been instrumental in driving positive change in water sector.

Earlier, the UNICEF representative, Rownak Khan who emphasized that Nigeria needs to increase its efforts in accessing WASH goals, added that if water quality and sanitation is not improved, Nigeria wouldn’t be able to tackle most diseases affecting children.

In his presentation, the Head of WASH, Water Aid, Nanpet Chuktu appreciated the Federal Government for providing an opportunity for them to participate in the deliberation which is aimed at improving access to quality water supply and sanitation in Nigeria.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji