By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the water and sanitation sector.
This was made known by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, during a courtesy visit paid on him by Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in Abuja last Monday.
According to Utsev, fostering stronger collaboration with the ICRC is essential to achieving key objectives such as expanding access to safe drinking water, improving sanitation systems, and enhancing food security across the country.
He emphasized that PPPs are a vital mechanism to harness private sector investment, technical expertise, and operational efficiency in delivering critical infrastructure.
The minister noted that the partnership with the ICRC should accelerate the provision of water and sanitation services through the River Basin Development Authorities, which serve as crucial drivers of rural development.
Utsev also highlighted the ongoing National Campaign to End Open Defecation, reiterating that maintaining a clean and healthy environment is crucial for attracting both domestic and international investment and improving public health outcomes.
In a move to further bolster water infrastructure, he revealed that President Tinubu has directed the ministry to carry out comprehensive assessments of all dams in Nigeria.
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These evaluations are to focus on structural integrity and functional potential for key uses including water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation.
The goal, Utsev explained, is to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s dam assets and align their utility with broader national development objectives.
Responding to the minister’s remarks, ICRC Director-General Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh commended the ministry for its leadership in advancing strategic infrastructure projects in line with national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which promotes access to clean water and sanitation for all.
Ewalefoh underlined the crucial role of PPPs in facilitating transparent, bankable, and high-impact infrastructure ventures.
Citing landmark initiatives such as the Dasin-Hausa Dam, Farin Ruwa, Manya, Bawarku, Grand Katsina-Ala, Kashimbila Airport, and Gurara II Dam, Ewalefoh emphasized the importance of sustaining and expanding PPP efforts.
He advocated for deeper collaboration to enhance rural water systems, rehabilitate aging dams, upgrade sanitation infrastructure, and expand hydropower programs.
Ewalefoh further proposed exploring innovative PPP models such as a National Sanitation Framework, desalination technologies, bulk water supply schemes, and smart water utilities.
He encouraged active participation of River Basin Development Authorities in the upcoming PPP National Summit slated for June 14, 2025, as a strategic platform to build stronger partnerships and attract increased private investment into Nigeria’s water and sanitation sectors.
