The Nigerian Government has joined other African nations in adopting the landmark Africa Water Vision 2063 at the 14th Ordinary Session of the Governing Council of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), held Monday in Dakar, Senegal
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The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, represented Nigeria at the high-level continental gathering of African ministers responsible for water and sanitation.
The meeting marked a historic milestone with the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 (AWV 2063), its accompanying Policy Framework, and the official launch of its implementation.
The Vision is aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the aim of ensuring water security, safe sanitation, and resilient ecosystems across Africa.
In its communiqué, the AMCOW Governing Council reaffirmed its commitment to: Domesticate and implement the Africa Water Vision 2063 at national and regional levels, Strengthen AMCOW’s financial sustainability by increasing statutory contributions from Member States, Develop the AMCOW Business Plan 2026–2030, the Triennial Work Programme and Budget 2026–2028, and the Strategic Programme on Groundwater for Water Security and Resilience (2026–2033), and Convene an International Conference on Financing the Africa Water Vision 2063 in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2026.
The Council also directed the AMCOW Secretariat, working with the African Union Commission (AUC) and partners, to submit the adopted Vision to the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in February 2026 for endorsement as Africa’s common position at the UN 2026 Water Conference.
Speaking during the session, Prof. Utsev praised AMCOW’s leadership and reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to the Vision. “The Africa Water Vision 2063 is a bold and transformative framework that reflects the aspirations of our continent for water security, safe sanitation, and sustainable development. Nigeria stands ready to work with fellow Member States to translate this vision into actionable programmes for the benefit of our people,” he said.
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Nigeria’s participation reflects the Federal Government’s push for integrated water resources management, climate-smart sanitation systems, and regional cooperation as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Honourable Minister was joined by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside other African Ministers, the AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (AUC-DARBE), development partners, and stakeholders.
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