FG Commits To Repositioning Water Sector For Food Security, Clean Energy

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning water as a driver for clean energy, food security, climate resilience, and inclusive national development.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, made this known while addressing stakeholders during this year’s World Water Day commemoration in Abuja.

He noted that the Ministry had strengthened its institutions over the past year to improve service delivery in the water and sanitation sector.

Professor Utsev highlighted key achievements, including the training of over 1,500 Nigerians in pumping, drilling, and water protection by the National Water Resources Institute in Kaduna.

He also noted that the Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission issued 24 water-use licenses to promote equitable and efficient allocation of water resources.

The Minister further announced that the country’s 12 River Basin Development Authorities have been repositioned to drive food security and sustainable water development, having developed more than 154,000 hectares of irrigated land.

These efforts are benefiting over 1.6 million Nigerians engaged in year-round agricultural production, he said.

Professor Utsev explained that these interventions align with Nigeria’s goal of achieving SDG 6—universal access to water and sanitation—by 2030.

Outlining strategic priorities, he said progress must focus on three pillars: increased investment, stronger coordination across all government levels, and political will driven by transparency, accountability, and gender inclusion.

He emphasized that women’s meaningful participation in planning and decision-making is essential to improving outcomes in water and sanitation services.

The Minister stressed that World Water Day is a call to action, urging government agencies, development partners, civil society, private sector, traditional institutions, the media, and communities to ensure no Nigerian is left behind.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanaso Umobong, highlighted the link between water and gender, noting that access to safe, reliable water and sanitation is central to the health, dignity, education, and economic empowerment of women and girls.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director Finance and Accounts, Dr. Shola Adebiyi, explained that the global campaign, led by UNICEF and UN Women, shows that water scarcity affects all communities but hits hardest where access is limited.

She cited girls walking long distances for water, market women losing productivity, and health workers struggling to maintain hygiene.

Dr. Umobong stressed that advancing water and sanitation supports gender equality, poverty reduction, and the well-being of women and girls, aligning SDG 6 and SDG 5 in practice.

She called for gender-responsive policy planning, targeted financing for schools, health facilities, underserved communities, and women-led governance frameworks.

UNICEF WASH Manager, Mr. Chiranjibi Tiwari, called for district-level gender studies to guide future interventions, referencing the Gendered Landscape Analysis (GARA) as a key tool.

UNICEF representative, Dr. Enang Moma, emphasized that women and girls are most affected by water shortages. “Long walks to fetch water disrupt education, health, and livelihoods,” she said.

She urged full implementation of gender-sensitive water policies, increased funding, and stronger data collection.

The World Water Development Report 2026, presented by UNESCO, highlights that women remain underrepresented in water governance, limiting fair access.

Dr. Moma called on all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and youth, to act decisively to ensure water supports equality, health, education, and national development.

Highlights of this year’s event was the sensitization campaign at the Lugbe Car wash and distribution of sanitary pads among others.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji