By Abdullahi Lukman
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sustained support to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, saying the backing has strengthened ongoing reforms in the water sector.
Utsev gave the commendation on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 Annual National Climate Change and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Conference, where stakeholders gathered to deliberate on strengthening climate-resilient water systems in Nigeria.
He said the Tinubu administration’s support has enhanced the ministry’s capacity to drive critical interventions aimed at expanding climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, improving sanitation delivery, and strengthening water security across the country.
According to the minister, the renewed backing has also positioned the sector to better align its programmes with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and broader national climate adaptation priorities.
Utsev noted that climate change continues to pose significant risks to water and sanitation systems, stressing that flooding, droughts and erratic rainfall patterns are already impacting access to safe water in many communities.
He said the ministry is prioritising investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, integrated water resources management, early warning systems, and improved sanitation services, adding that such efforts require sustained collaboration across government levels and development partners.
The conference, organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with partners including WaterAid and UNICEF, also brought together government officials, climate experts, development partners and civil society organisations.
Participants at the event reiterated the need for stronger financing, improved coordination and accelerated implementation of climate adaptation strategies within the WASH sector to safeguard vulnerable communities.