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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has stated that Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) issues are fundamental to both economic and social development of the country.
The Minister, Professor Joseph Utsev, made this known at the Nigeria and UNICEF annual WASH review meeting in Abuja.
Prof Utsev lamented that despite federal government commitments, Nigeria has continued to lag behind to access to quality water supply.
He added that WASH is so significant that its impacts cuts across health, education, economy and others.
“The government is concerned that the sanitation and hygiene services has worrisomely lagged behind access to water supply both at national and global according to 2021 WASHNORM Report, access to basic water supply, sanitation and hygiene services in Nigeria were estimated at67%,46%and 17%.
“WASH issues have been determined to be fundamental to economic and social development. It also has crosscutting impact on different sectors, mainly health, education, economy and others. Consequently, achievement the WASH targets under SDG6 in Nigeria is critical as it will contribute to the achievement of our developmental goal as a nation, with regional and global implementation in view of the country’s strategic position, he said.
The Minister further appreciated the water stallholders, adding that the government is looked forward to new perspectives that will contribute to fasten the attainment of the set objectives .
In his welcome address, the permanent secretary, Aliyu Shinkafi, who was represented by the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, in the Ministry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, commended the dedication and hard work of all stakeholders involved in the WASH initiatives across Nigeria.
He added that the collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria and UNICEF has been instrumental in driving positive change in water sector.
Earlier, the UNICEF representative, Rownak Khan, who emphasised that Nigeria needs to increase its efforts in accessing WASH goals, added that if water quality and sanitation is not improved, Nigeria wouldn’t be able to tackle most diseases affecting children.
In his presentation, the Head of WASH, Water Aid, Nanpet Chuktu appreciated the Federal Government for providing an opportunity for them to participate in the deliberation of the common goal which is to improving access to quality water supply and sanitation in Nigeria.
