Minister Vows to Crack Down on Companies Producing Substandard Water Equipment

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsav, has identified substandard water supply equipment as the primary reason for inadequate access to potable drinking water across Nigeria, as well as challenges faced in irrigation farming.

Professor Utsav made this statement during a visit to a company in Kano that produces pipes and other fittings used in water supply, irrigation, and consumption. He announced that the government will take action against companies producing substandard products for these purposes, stating that the government cannot tolerate such practices.

“We will sanction any company that brings substandard products into the country,” he declared.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the company’s high standards and encouraged them to continue promoting local content in line with the Nigerian Content Policy. He emphasised that this aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Agenda and encouraged water users and those in the irrigation sector to partner with the company.

“The duty of the Federal Government is to supply potable water to the people, as the states and local governments should also do,” he stated. “We have to take these measures to secure the water supply schemes, as many of the water schemes have failed due to substandard materials.”

Professor Utsav reiterated the administration’s commitment to encouraging and providing an enabling environment for local manufacturers and the private sector to thrive. He called on wealthy Nigerians to invest in the water and sanitation sector to help the country achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 of ensuring access to sustainable water and sanitation for all by 2030.

During a tour of the factory, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shiv Daryani, explained that the raw materials used for pipe production are sourced locally. He assured the Minister that the company’s pipes are of high quality, able to withstand any pressure and stand the test of time. He emphasised that the pipes are suitable for water reticulation and industrial projects and that the company will never compromise its high standards.