By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with Water Sector Partners, has inaugurated the maiden edition of the National Water Quality Conference in Abuja. The event underscores the critical role of safe water in public health, environmental sustainability, and national development.
Declaring the conference open, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, welcomed esteemed stakeholders, including representatives from federal and state governments, academia, development partners, and civil society organizations.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Minister emphasized that the conference serves as a strategic platform to address water quality challenges and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring access to potable water. He highlighted its alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Themed “Safe Water for Sustainable Public Health,” the conference sheds light on the impact of water quality on national and global development goals. Citing the 2021 Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) National Outcomes Routine Monitoring Report, Prof. Utsev revealed that while 67% of Nigerians have access to basic water supply services, significant gaps remain in ensuring safely managed drinking water—necessitating urgent intervention.
Expressing concern over the risks of poor sanitation and open defecation, the Minister acknowledged the health implications but remained optimistic about ongoing efforts. He noted that the Ministry is leveraging modern technology, strengthening partnerships, and implementing innovative solutions to improve access to safe water.
To bolster these efforts, he announced the Nigerian Roadmap for Water Quality Management, a strategic guide for national initiatives. Additionally, the Federal Government has established twelve (12) water quality laboratories across the country for monitoring and surveillance, alongside the introduction of the Community Water Safety Plan to empower rural communities in preventing water contamination.
The Minister commended development partners—including UNICEF, WaterAid, Society for Family Health, OPSWASH, and Nestlé—for their unwavering support in advancing Nigeria’s water quality agenda. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating open defecation, improving public health, and ensuring universal access to safe water.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, represented by the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, reiterated the importance of the conference in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, particularly:
Target 6.1 – Universal access to safe drinking water
Target 6.3 – Improving water quality by reducing pollution
He stressed the need for robust policies, institutional frameworks, and innovative solutions to enhance water safety across Nigeria.
The conference features discussions on four key sub-themes:
1. Water Quality Management Policy and Governance
2. Water Quality and Health
3. Status of Water Quality in Nigeria
4. Water Quality Monitoring and Management
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Goodwill messages were delivered by various stakeholders, including:
Representative of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Muktah Chawai
National Coordinator of OPSWASH, Dr. Nicholas Igwe
Representatives of UNICEF, WaterAid, UNESCO, and the Society for Family Health
Federal Ministries of Health, Social Welfare, and Environment
Honourable Commissioners of State Water Resources
Representatives from RUWASSAs, academia, and other key water sector stakeholders
The Minister encouraged all participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute to shaping policies that will ensure access to safe and clean water for all Nigerians. He expressed confidence that the conference’s outcomes would significantly enhance water and sanitation efforts nationwide.
