The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev has described the official launch of the Diagnostic Study Report on Urban Sanitation in Nigeria as a milestone in efforts to improve the country’s sanitation sector.
The report was commissioned by the African Water Facility under the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII).
Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Ali Dallah, the Minister commended the African Water Facility and the African Development Bank for their partnership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
Utsev also said; “the participation of representatives from UNICEF, USAID, WaterAid, development partners, financing institutions, state governments, water utilities, the private sector, civil society organisations and other stakeholders at the launch in Abuja reflected a shared commitment to improving urban sanitation in Nigeria.”
He noted that the “event represents much more than the launch of a report and that it is an important milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve safely managed sanitation services.”
He said that it is “a significant step towards mobilising investments, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating reforms that will improve public health, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life of millions of Nigerians.”
The Minister also said that the Nigerian government recognises that sanitation is not only a social service but also a strategic investment in national development.
He further said that “improved sanitation reduces disease burden, protects water resources, increases productivity, creates employment opportunities, enhances the dignity and safety of our citizens, and contributes directly to sustainable economic growth.”
He reiterated that the Diagnostic Study being launched is apt, as it provides a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s urban sanitation sector and evaluates the country’s readiness to participate effectively in the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative.
The Minister explained that “the study identifies practical pathways for strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, improving utility performance, increasing private sector participation, mobilising sustainable financing, and developing a pipeline of bankable investment projects capable of attracting both public and private investment.”
“Addressing Nigeria’s urban sanitation challenges requires collective action. No single institution can achieve this objective alone. Success will depend on stronger partnerships, innovative financing, effective governance, improved utility performance, and active private sector participation,” he stated.
The Ministry looks forward to expanding collaboration with the African Development Bank under AUSII to support priority investments in: City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation programmes that focus on; Faecal sludge management and resource recovery infrastructure, Modernisation of sanitation service delivery systems and utility performance.
It said it would forge ahead for “Preparation of bankable sanitation investment projects; Institutional capacity strengthening at federal, state and local government levels; Blended finance and private sector investment; and Climate-resilient and circular economy approaches that transform sanitation into an engine of economic growth and environmental sustainability for its future plans.”
During the launch, the Lead Operations Manager of AfDB in Nigeria Mr Orison Amu said that the launch discussed the successes and challenges of Nigeria’s Urban Sanitation Sector Diagnostic Report on the sanitation sector in Nigeria to the major stakeholders of the sector.
The Director, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation Mr Jamilu Danhabu also commended Nigeria for achieving significant milestones in urban sanitation.
