Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening water security, sanitation, climate resilience and inclusive development across Africa.
He stated this while declaring open a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee on water and sanitation policy coordination under AMCOW in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev described the committee as a critical platform for providing technical guidance and policy direction for the implementation of continental water development goals.
He stated that the Federal Government is collaborating with the African Union Commission, development partners, and the private sector to develop sustainable solutions in the water sector.
The Minister noted that Nigeria is implementing reforms and programmes to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in both urban and rural communities.
He listed initiatives such as the Sustainable Urban Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme supported by the World Bank, alongside expanded rural water access projects.
Prof. Utsev also highlighted the ongoing Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, aimed at ending open defecation and improving public health.
He called for stronger partnerships, increased private sector investment and coordinated policies to address climate vulnerability, food security and livelihoods across Africa.
He commended stakeholders for their commitment to regional cooperation and expressed confidence in achieving practical outcomes for Africa’s water future.
Also speaking, the Officer in Charge of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), Mr. Nelson Gomonda, described the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 as a historic milestone.
Gomonda said it is the first time since 2008 that water and sanitation have been given such high priority on the continental agenda.
He explained that the framework will help Africa speak with one voice ahead of global events, including the 2026 UN Water Conference.
He urged member states to develop national implementation plans to ensure ownership and accountability of the vision.
The Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union Commission, Dr. Nyambe Nyambe, said West African countries have begun consultations on a new water plan aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which will guide actions from now to 2033.
Dr. Nyambe and other stakeholders stressed the need for cooperation, stronger financing, improved governance and better protection of water resources to address climate change, pollution and infrastructure gaps across the continent.
Also the Director, Water Resources Management Centre, Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Mr. Kouassi Alexis said the region is fully supporting the Africa Water Vision and is reviewing its 2008 water policy to address new challenges.
He added that a stronger policy framework will be ready by 2027, and a regional water forum will be held in Abidjan before the global conference.
Stakeholders said climate change, population growth, and poor infrastructure are affecting water access and called for more funding, better governance, private sector involvement, and stronger cooperation in managing shared water resources in West Africa.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee, TAC, Dr. Babarinde Mukaila of the Ministry urged participants to work together and agree on practical solutions for fair and sustainable water management.
He said the meeting is expected to produce useful results and noted that 53 out of 55 African countries are taking part, showing strong support.
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