In an effort to improve sanitation and hygiene services across Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in partnership with development organizations, officially launched the “Accelerating Inclusive Sanitation and Hygiene Economy in Nigeria” project on Tuesday in Abuja.
This transformative initiative, led by WaterAid Nigeria with a $2.5 million grant from the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF), aims to enhance access to sanitation and hygiene services in four local government areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State over the next 30 months.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, described the project as a pivotal intervention in addressing Nigeria’s sanitation and hygiene challenges.
“The initiative is designed to empower underserved communities, reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, and boost women’s and youth engagement in WASH-related enterprises,” the minister emphasized.
He further stated, “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve public health, enhance the quality of life, and uphold the dignity of millions of Nigerians through better access to sanitation and hygiene services. Access to adequate sanitation and hygiene is not only a basic human right but also a cornerstone for building resilient communities and fostering sustainable livelihoods.”
The project will focus on providing safe water and sanitation infrastructure to vulnerable communities, particularly in cholera-prone areas. It will also promote economic empowerment through WASH-related businesses, introduce inclusive hygiene practices for marginalized groups, and work to reduce the recurrence of cholera outbreaks.
Representing the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Hon. Sani Muhammed Dambam, expressed gratitude to WaterAid and SHF for initiating this transformative project. He noted that its innovative approach would significantly boost the economic and social well-being of Bauchi residents while supporting ongoing WASH initiatives in the state.
Evelyn Mere, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, welcomed stakeholders and highlighted the project’s mission to bridge critical gaps in WASH services, particularly in Bauchi State. She stated that the $2.5 million initiative will provide sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions to sanitation and hygiene challenges over the next 30 months.
Mere also revealed that the project aims to benefit 900,000 individuals across Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, Misau, and Jama’are LGAs, and will be implemented in collaboration with federal ministries, Bauchi State agencies, and technical partners like Sanivation. She commended Bauchi State’s progress, including achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in nine LGAs, while emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to achieve safely managed sanitation.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of WASH donor partners and the Coordinating Minister of Health.
The event also marked the inauguration of the Project Oversight Committee (POC), tasked with ensuring effective implementation and strategic oversight. The committee comprises representatives from key federal ministries, including Water Resources and Sanitation, Environment, Education, Women Affairs, Health, and Budget and National Planning, as well as organizations like UNICEF, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), NEWSAN, and the National Cholera Committee under the Global Task Force on Cholera Control.
The initiative is expected to transform lives in Bauchi State and serve as a model for inclusive and sustainable sanitation and hygiene efforts across Nigeria.
