FG Inaugurates Technical Committee to Develop National Water Compact
FG Inaugurates Technical Committee to Develop National Water Compact
FG Inaugurates Technical Committee to Develop National Water Compact
The Federal Government has inaugurated a Ministerial Technical Working Committee for the development of a National Water Compact aimed at strengthening sustainable water governance and improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Nigeria.
The committee was inaugurated in Abuja by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, as part of renewed efforts to reform the country’s water sector and align it with global best practices.
Speaking during the inauguration, Prof. Utsev described the proposed National Water Compact as a strategic framework designed to provide a clear roadmap for sustainable development within Nigeria’s water sector.
According to him, the initiative will establish coordinated measures to strengthen water governance, improve institutional efficiency, and expand equitable access to water and sanitation services nationwide.
The Minister stressed the need for collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful development and implementation of the framework.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing the technical and institutional support needed for the assignment, while appreciating development partners for their continued contributions to the sector.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Emanso Okop Umobong, said the initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to African Union efforts aimed at strengthening water security and sanitation delivery across the continent.
She disclosed that the National Water Compact is expected to be finalized before December 2026 and urged members of the committee to develop a realistic and implementable framework capable of addressing the country’s water challenges.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Committee and Director of Water Supply and Support Services in the Ministry, Babarinde Segun Mukaila, noted that the Compact would help strengthen water institutions, improve climate resilience, and identify priority interventions for sustainable growth in the sector.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of development partners, Chidera Chukwu commended the Ministry for the initiative and reaffirmed the commitment of partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, and WaterAid, to supporting the implementation of the National Water Compact.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s water governance architecture and accelerate progress toward achieving sustainable and inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene services nationwide.
Representatives from the Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Women Affairs, and Environment also attended the inauguration ceremony.
FG Inaugurates Technical Committee to Develop National Water Compact
