By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has stepped up collaboration with the World Bank to improve Nigeria’s water resources, sanitation infrastructure and expand access to safe and sustainable water supply nationwide.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the World Bank’s Global Director for Water, Saroj Kumar Jha, and his delegation to the ministry.
Utsev said the partnership is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen water infrastructure, improve sanitation services and ensure sustainable management of the country’s water resources amid growing climate challenges.
According to the minister, climate change is already exerting pressure on Nigeria’s water systems through erratic rainfall patterns, flooding and declining groundwater recharge.
He 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.
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 former programme established a strong institutional and infrastructure base for modern irrigation management, the new initiative is expected to expand irrigation development and increase hydropower generation across the country.
The minister also highlighted progress recorded under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, which he said is helping strengthen state water agencies, improve regulatory frameworks and widen access to safe water and sanitation services.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Emanso Umobong, expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its sustained partnership and said continued cooperation would accelerate reforms and investments needed to secure sustainable water and sanitation services for Nigerians.
Earlier, Jha reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing its water challenges, describing the country as a critical player in the global water landscape due to its population and size.
He added that achieving universal access to water cannot rely solely on public financing, urging governments to adopt policies and regulatory frameworks that attract private sector investment in water infrastructure.