The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to achieving the Africa Water Vision 2025, emphasizing the need for stronger regional cooperation to ensure sustainable water security and sanitation.
This commitment was conveyed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, who urged West African nations to intensify efforts toward realizing this vision during the West African Sub-Regional Ministerial Committee Consultation Meeting, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The high-level gathering brought together West African leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector for discussions on the Post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy. The event was organized by the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Water Resources, aiming to chart a strategic course for sustainable water and sanitation solutions in the region.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Water Security
Delivering his address at the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening water security, improving sanitation, and addressing climate change impacts. He emphasized the urgent need for:
Enhanced regional cooperation to address water challenges.
Innovative financing mechanisms to drive sustainable solutions.
Stronger policy frameworks to ensure effective implementation.
Prof. Utsev also highlighted findings from the 2024 Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring and Reporting (WASSMO) Report, which revealed critical gaps, including:
Insufficient sector investment, with heavy reliance on Official Development Assistance (ODA).
800 million Africans lacking access to safely managed sanitation.
400 million people without access to safe drinking water.
Underutilization of hydropower and irrigation capacity, falling short of the 30% target for 2025.
Climate change threats, with Africa’s population expected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, worsening water-related disasters.
Landmark Initiatives for Water and Sanitation
Prof. Utsev reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment by highlighting key initiatives spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, including:
Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme (in partnership with the World Bank).
Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) Programme, focused on improving rural water access.
Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, aimed at eradicating open defecation.
Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, designed to enhance water storage and socio-economic benefits.
He further noted that the ongoing consultations in Abuja would contribute to discussions at the 3rd African Implementation and Partnership Conference (PANAFCON-3), scheduled for May 27–29, 2025, in Zambia. He urged stakeholders to seize this opportunity to shape the Post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy, ensuring it aligns with the region’s needs and aspirations.
Calls for Collaboration and Investment
Speaking at the event, AMCOW Executive Secretary, Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, stressed the importance of a climate-resilient water management framework tailored to the aspirations of West African communities. He called for:
Stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
Increased investment in sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
Adoption of innovative technologies to improve water security and resilience.
Emily Kilongi, representing the African Development Bank (AfDB), described the meeting as a landmark moment in the continent’s journey toward water security. She reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to supporting the Post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions efficient water resource management for economic growth.
READ ALSO: FG Partners with National Mosque to Eradicate Open Defecation in Nigeria
Zuriel Oduwole, Sterling One Foundation, Sanwo-Olu Champion Gender Equality, Youth Empowerment
In his remarks, Mr. Segun Mukaila Babarinde, Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Nigeria, and Director of Water Supply at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized the importance of crafting a policy framework that aligns with regional and continental priorities.
Goodwill Messages and Next Steps
Goodwill messages were delivered by:
Dr. Abah, representing ECOWAS.
Dr. Jihane El Gaouzi, representing the Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE).
The consultation meeting continues until March 20, 2025, featuring technical deliberations, policy discussions, and strategic recommendations to shape the future of water and sanitation in Africa.
