By Fatima Saka
As part of activities marking the 2025 World Water Day, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has embarked on a sensitization walk, urging Nigerians to prioritize water conservation and proper usage.
The ministry emphasized that water is a precious, God-given resource that must be used responsibly in terms of both quality and quantity, especially as millions of people still lack access to clean water.
The awareness campaign took place on Friday in Abuja, ahead of the global commemoration of World Water Day on March 22. The walk began at Eagle Square and ended at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) headquarters, where the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, highlighted the importance of the initiative.
“I think this is the best place to carry out this sensitization. NTA is the largest news outlet in Africa, and this platform allows us to reach millions of Nigerians with our message on water conservation,” he stated.
Water is Life: The Call for Action
Mr. Pheelangwah stressed that water is essential for life, noting that the United Nations (UN) has set aside March 22 every year to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of water.
“Today is the sensitization phase. Tomorrow, we will hold a press conference to further emphasize the significance of this resource. As the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, we are committed to ensuring Nigerians understand the need to conserve and celebrate water,” he added.
Access to Potable Water
Speaking at the event, Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo, Director of Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Services, highlighted the global water crisis and the need for improved access to potable water.
“Water may be everywhere, but access to clean, drinkable water is still a challenge. That is why the World Water Day is so important—it reminds us of the need to provide safe and accessible water for domestic and other essential uses,” he said.
He explained that while state governments are primarily responsible for water supply, the federal government has initiated various interventions to bridge the gap and ensure more Nigerians have access to safe drinking water.
“The Ministry of Water Resources has done a lot to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians by improving water supply on both small and large scales,” he added.
Efforts to End Open Defecation in Nigeria
Engr. Adenopo also announced that as part of this year’s World Water Day activities, the ministry will commission a new water facility at the NYSC camp in Kubwa, Abuja, following a press briefing by the Honorable Minister of Water Resources.
He praised Zamfara State for becoming the first Nigerian state to be declared open defecation-free, describing it as a challenge for other states to emulate.
“Zamfara has set a great example, and many other states are beginning to follow suit. Since the inception of this administration, several local governments have joined the campaign against open defecation,” he noted.
Initially, 2025 was set as the deadline for Nigeria to end open defecation, but due to the outstanding work still needed, the target has been extended to 2030.
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“We have made significant progress, and we are determined to achieve this goal,” he assured.
Call for Responsible Water Use
Engr. Adenopo urged Nigerians to be mindful of water usage and sanitation, stressing the need for sustainable water management.
“There is a saying: ‘Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.’ However, I can assure you that we are making great strides in ensuring clean drinking water is available to all Nigerians,” he added.
