By Abbas Nazil
Stakeholders have raised serious concern over the inefficiency, poor coordination, inadequate monitoring, and persistent gender inequality undermining the effective implementation of water policies in Nigeria.
These observations were made during a Stakeholders Validation Workshop and Capacity Needs Assessment on Integrating Gender in Nigeria’s Water Sector Policies and Governance held last Tuesday in Ibadan.
The event, organised by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), brought together a cross-section of experts including researchers, representatives from non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, and government officials from the Oyo State Ministries of Women Affairs and Environment.
At the workshop, Ms Sarah Appiah, a Research Officer with IWMI, noted that many of Nigeria’s water-related policies are outdated and no longer reflect the current realities of access, distribution, and inclusion.
She emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive review of these policies to integrate gender perspectives and address other socio-economic factors hindering effective governance in the sector.
Appiah stated that the design, implementation, and monitoring of water sector policies must strategically address existing gaps and ensure that commitments to gender equality made at the national level are effectively reflected and implemented at the sectoral and local levels.
Highlighting the critical role of gender, Appiah argued that sustainable and inclusive water governance cannot be achieved without mainstreaming gender into all facets of policy development.
She called on governments at all levels to increase their commitment to policy coherence and funding, stressing that gender-aligned sectoral policies are necessary to meet Nigeria’s broader development and equality goals.
Dr Adepeju Badmus, an Agricultural Economist at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), added that access to water remains a major challenge for many Nigerians, particularly women.
She noted that women face unique burdens—especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth—due to the inaccessibility of potable water.
According to Badmus, although water is essential for everyone, the consequences of inadequate water supply disproportionately affect women, making it imperative for the government to prioritise gender-responsive water policies and allocate sufficient resources to address the issue.
Mr Adegoke Ayodele, Director at the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Oyo RUWASSA), acknowledged that access to clean water remains a pressing concern in the state. He assured stakeholders that the state government is committed to addressing these challenges and would continue efforts to improve water infrastructure and distribution.
Mrs Shontonwa Roagess, Director of Quality Control at the Oyo State Water Corporation, reinforced the importance of effectively implementing water policies and involving women in the process.
She stated that while making potable water widely available continues to be a challenge, the corporation is intensifying its efforts to ensure equitable access across the state.
The workshop took an overview of IWMI’s policy innovation initiative and a presentation on policy coherence, delivered by Dr Charity Osei-Amponsah, underscoring the need for sustained collaboration and strategic reforms in Nigeria’s water sector.