Terver Dominic, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has commended UNICEF for its commitment to supporting the Ministry in delivering sustainable access to safe and sufficient water for socio-economic development and public health.
Professor Utsev gave the commendation while receiving the new UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Wafaa Saeed, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued partnership with UNICEF in key priority areas, particularly in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
He promised to forward to the new UNICEF Country Representative, details of the Ministry’s achievements in dams, irrigation, water quality, and WASH, to enable her to identify further areas of collaboration.
Read Also: Kwara Lauds Development Partners for Strengthening Health System
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, echoed the Minister’s remarks and assured that the Ministry would provide UNICEF with a detailed account of its achievements.
Also speaking in support were the Directors of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh; Irrigation and Drainage, Mrs Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi; and Water Resources Planning & Technical Support Services, Engineer Adeyinka Adenopo.
They highlighted the positive impact of UNICEF’s collaboration with the Ministry on WASH initiatives, including World Water Day celebrations, and called for enhanced cooperation, particularly in the area of water quality for irrigation purposes.
Earlier, Ms Wafaa Saeed explained that her visit was primarily to understand the Ministry’s vision and priorities, and to receive feedback that would help UNICEF better support the Ministry in fulfilling its mandate.
She stressed the importance of access to safe water supply and sanitation, as well as the potential of water resources for hydropower, which, she noted, not only contributes to increased government revenue in alignment with the SDGs but is also vital for health, education and other critical sectors.
She assured that UNICEF would continue to strengthen its collaboration with the Ministry in these areas.