The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has inaugurated the National Technical Working Group (NTWG) on the Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Systems, a multi-stakeholder platform designed to strengthen the long-term functionality, resilience, and financial viability of rural water infrastructure across Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Press and Public Relations, the inauguration was held Tuesday at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Phellangwah, welcomed members of the Working Group and stressed that access to clean water is not only a basic human right but also a vital driver of socio-economic growth.
He noted that sustaining rural water facilities requires deliberate investment, effective maintenance, and synergy among government, development partners, the private sector, and communities.
“While the challenges of sustaining rural water supply facilities are complex, they are not insurmountable. With collaborative efforts, universal access to clean and safe water can be achieved,” Phellangwah stated.
He commended partners such as UNICEF, Self-Help Africa, and other stakeholders for their continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s water supply systems. He charged members of the NTWG to share innovative ideas and develop practical solutions to guarantee long-term rural water sustainability.
The Group will provide strategic recommendations, guide policy implementation, harmonize approaches, and strengthen institutional capacity in line with Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Babarinde Mukaila, Director of Water Supply in the Ministry and Chairman of the NTWG, said the committee would also focus on ensuring safer water quality, expanding service coverage, and securing financial sustainability of rural water projects.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugo, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, and representatives of UNICEF, World Bank, WaterAid, NEWSAN, and the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, who all underscored the need for stronger policies and community participation.
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Mrs. Zuliat Mohammed of the Ministry’s Water Supply Department presented the Terms of Reference, outlining roles for the Chair, Secretariat, and Members in strategy, coordination, planning, and implementation of key maintenance activities.
The NTWG includes representatives from the Federal Ministry, UNICEF, World Bank, National Water Resources Institute, Green Habitat Initiative, WaterAid, Self-Help Africa, NEWSAN, Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, FCDO, EU, AfDB, TASTE, and other WASH-sector stakeholders.
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