FG, World Bank Deepen Partnership to Expand Water Access, Strengthen Sanitation Infrastructure in Nigeria
ABUJA — The Federal Government has intensified its collaboration with the World Bank to strengthen Nigeria’s water resources management and expand access to safe water and sanitation services across the country.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the World Bank Global Director for Water, Saroj Kumar Jha, and his delegation to the ministry.
Utsev said the renewed partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve water infrastructure, enhance sanitation services, and promote the sustainable management of Nigeria’s water resources amid growing climate pressures.
According to him, climate change is already placing considerable strain on the country’s water systems through erratic rainfall patterns, flooding, and declining groundwater recharge.
The minister explained that the ministry is implementing reforms and projects aimed at improving irrigation efficiency, rehabilitating dams, strengthening hydrological data systems, and promoting integrated river basin management to support sustainable water supply and food security nationwide.
He commended the World Bank for its continued support to Nigeria’s water sector, particularly through the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria Programme, which has evolved into the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Programme.
Utsev noted that while the TRIMING Programme laid a solid institutional and infrastructure foundation for modern irrigation management, the SPIN Programme is expected to further expand irrigation development and boost hydropower generation in the country.
He also highlighted progress recorded under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, stating that the initiative is helping strengthen state water agencies, improve regulatory frameworks, and expand access to safely managed water and sanitation services.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Emanso Umobong, appreciated the World Bank for its sustained partnership with Nigeria.
She expressed optimism that continued cooperation between the government and the bank would accelerate reforms and investments needed to secure sustainable water supply and sanitation services for Nigerians.
Earlier, Jha reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing its water sector challenges.
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He described Nigeria as a critical player in the global water landscape, noting that progress in tackling water security challenges in the country would have far-reaching implications for Africa and the world due to its large population.
Jha, however, emphasized that global experience shows universal water access cannot be achieved through public financing alone, urging governments to create enabling policies and regulatory frameworks that would attract private sector investment in water infrastructure.
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