Editor
The Hourable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo Esq., has issued a call to private sector stakeholders and financial institutions to engage in partnership with the government to advance Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, a critical component of the nation’s socio-economic progress.
Addressing attendees at the two-day consultation workshop titled “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” in Lagos today, Goronyo underscored the essential role of the WASH sector in enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.
He emphasized that significant governmental investments have been made in this sector due to the direct impact of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene on both rural and urban communities.
“The WASH sector is indispensable to our national advancement. Aligned with our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030,” Goronyo affirmed.
Highlighting the importance of SDG Goal 6, which centers on ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation, the Minister of State emphasized the imperative of collective action, particularly in eradicating open defecation.
“This objective assumes greater importance when considering the vulnerabilities faced by women and girls, who often encounter indignity and peril due to inadequate sanitation facilities,” he observed.
While acknowledging the various measures implemented by the Federal Government to address WASH sector challenges, including the “Clean Nigeria Campaign,” Goronyo recognized the insufficiency of these efforts alone.
He advocated for increased involvement from the private sector and financial institutions to bridge the funding gap and amplify the impact of these initiatives.
“The government cannot operate in isolation. Hence, we urge the private sector to assume a pivotal role in closing the divide. We have witnessed the success achievable through collaborative efforts, exemplified in Jigawa State and 126 local government areas that have attained open defecation-free status,” he remarked.
Rt. Hon. Goronyo underscored the substantial investment required to realize Nigeria’s WASH objectives, estimating an annual need of $10 billion to achieve universal access to basic services by 2030—eightfold the current investment.
Nevertheless, he expressed optimism, affirming, “With active engagement from the private sector, we are confident in our ability to surmount this challenge.”
He added, “We are optimistic that the private sector can furnish up to 50% of the requisite investment, thereby expediting our progress and enabling Nigeria to fulfill its commitments under the SDGs.”
The Minister of State also commended the existing partnerships with entities such as UNICEF and microfinance institutions, which are already contributing to the sector’s advancement.
He extended an invitation to all private sector stakeholders to join this noble cause, collaborating with the government to foster a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria.
“Your participation will be commemorated as a cornerstone in the triumph of this campaign. Posterity will acknowledge your contributions to the nation’s advancement,” Goronyo concluded.
