UN Urges Increased Investment in Water Sector at World Water Day 2026 Event
UN Urges Increased Investment in Water Sector at World Water Day 2026 Event
UN Urges Increased Investment in Water Sector at World Water Day 2026 Event
The Acting United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, has called on development partners, bilateral donors, and the private sector to prioritise water as a strategic investment for Nigeria’s future.
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She made the appeal during the observance of World Water Day 2026, held at the Brazilian Embassy in Abuja and organised by the Lokoja Dialogue in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Attafuah highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by women in water-scarce communities, noting that they spend between three to five hours daily sourcing water and fuel—time that could otherwise be used for education or economic activities. She contrasted this with men in similar households, who are more likely to spend those hours on income-generating ventures.
She stressed that access to water is not only a development issue but also a matter of equity and human rights. According to her, the United Nations system in Nigeria remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations, including women and children who rely on unsafe water sources and communities affected by flooding.
Reaffirming this commitment, she stated that water must be recognised as a fundamental human right—one that should be governed with fairness, managed sustainably, and shared equitably across all communities.
The event underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to improve water access, sanitation, and climate resilience across Nigeria.
UN Urges Increased Investment in Water Sector at World Water Day 2026 Event
