FG Strengthens Push for Safe Water, Sanitation at National Forum
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has officially declared open the 2025 National WASH Systems Learning Forum in Abuja—an important national platform dedicated to strengthening sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery across the country. The Minister was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah.
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Delivering the keynote address on Thursday, 20th November, Prof. Utsev highlighted the Forum’s theme, “Change Mechanisms and Measuring Change,” describing it as timely and strategic, coming shortly after Nigeria hosted its Maiden National Sanitation Conference. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to climate-resilient and safely managed WASH services in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6.
The Minister noted several national milestones, including two States and 158 Local Government Areas achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, as well as the development of climate-resilient WASH design standards. However, he stressed that sustaining these achievements requires stronger institutions, increased financing, innovation, accountability, and comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems.
Prof. Utsev raised key challenges such as unreliable sector data, the partial operationalization of the WASH Information Management System (WASHIMS), and the suspension of routine WASHNORM surveys since 2021. He urged stakeholders to use the Forum as an opportunity to address these gaps and design lasting solutions.
“Change does not happen by chance. It results from deliberate design, collective action, and mutual accountability,” the Minister stated.
In the opening remarks delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, welcomed delegates from across Nigeria and other partner countries. She emphasized the need to translate resolutions from the National Sanitation Conference into practical frameworks, effective financing models, enforceable regulations, and stronger monitoring systems across all levels of government. She called for increased collaboration to ensure that no community is left behind in accessing safe water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene.
Representing Self Help Africa, Country Director Mrs. Joy Aderele stressed the importance of partnership-driven progress. She cited the WASH Systems for Health Programme in Nigeria and Sierra Leone as an example of how strong systems and improved capacities enhance long-term community resilience.
“Real change does not happen in isolation. It happens when people come together with shared purpose and commitment,” she said.
Although acknowledging Nigeria’s progress, Mrs. Aderele urged delegates to exchange insights, tackle challenges courageously, and collectively build more resilient WASH systems for future generations.
The Forum—organized in collaboration with Self Help Africa, IRC WASH, and the FCDO, with support from UNICEF, the World Bank, WaterAid, and other development partners—brought together senior government officials, WASH ambassadors, sector experts, and representatives from the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone. The event aims to promote peer learning, experience-sharing, and cross-country collaboration.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director of Water Supply in the Ministry, representatives of WaterAid, NEWSAN, and the Minister of Water Resources of Sierra Leone. Presentations by the FCDO, Consortium Manager, and the WASH Facility further emphasized the need for data-driven action and stronger systems for sector transformation.
Prof. Utsev officially declared the 2025 National WASH Systems Learning Forum open, expressing confidence that its outcomes will guide policy development, strengthen coordination, and accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward sustainable and inclusive WASH services for all.
FG Strengthens Push for Safe Water, Sanitation at National Forum