The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)—universal access to clean water and sanitation—while advancing projects in water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, and food security.
This was declared by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, at the opening ceremony of the 8th International Water Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE), held in Makurdi, Benue State. The conference, themed “Sustainable Urban Water Development and Management in Nigeria: Innovative Solutions Towards Achieving SDG 6”, brought together policymakers, engineers, and development partners to chart a path toward a water-secure future.
In a press release signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, Prof. Utsev highlighted flagship projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including major dams, irrigation schemes, sanitation, and water supply initiatives nationwide.
He announced progress on public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives such as the 460 MW Katsina-Ala Dam, the 186 MW Bawarku Dam on the Benue River, and the ongoing concessioning of the Datsin Hausa Dam (Adamawa) and Itisi Dam (Kaduna).
“These projects are designed to boost revenue generation, irrigation, hydropower, sanitation, water supply, tourism, food security, and job creation for Nigerians,” the Minister said.
He further outlined key programmes such as the World Bank-supported SURWASH Project, the PEWASH programme expanding water access in urban and rural areas, and the Clean Nigeria Campaign, which targets an end to open defecation by 2030.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, Prof. Utsev commended Nigerian engineers and water professionals for their innovation and expertise, urging participants to use the conference as a platform for policy-shaping, strengthening partnerships, and reaffirming the right of every citizen to clean water and sanitation.
Declaring the conference open, Prof. Utsev wished delegates fruitful deliberations that would accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward SDG 6.
Speaking on behalf of the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Moses Atagher, pledged the state’s alignment with federal water initiatives, stressing that “water is life” and access to it is a fundamental human right. He emphasized that despite the challenges of climate change, Nigeria can achieve SDG 6 through innovation, partnerships, and inclusive strategies.
In his welcome address, Engr. Joshua Titus Sanga, FNSE, FNIWE, National Chairman of NIWE, underscored the urgency of addressing urban water challenges through innovative solutions, while reaffirming NIWE’s support for federal programmes like SURWASH and the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
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Also delivering remarks on behalf of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, was Engr. Dr. Elizabeth Eterigho, FNSE, who highlighted the critical role of engineers in developing data-driven, innovative approaches to water management in the face of rapid urbanization, climate change, and population growth.
The three-day conference features technical sessions, exhibitions, and panel discussions designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and develop actionable strategies that will fast-track Nigeria’s progress toward universal access to clean water and sanitation.
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