The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engineer Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has pledged to continue and strengthen the Ministry’s partnership with UNICEF, particularly in the crucial area of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
The Ministry, in a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan, last night said the Minister made this commitment during a courtesy visit from UNICEF’s new Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, and her delegation.
Utsev commended UNICEF for its dedication to helping the Ministry achieve its objectives, which are aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that a comprehensive report detailing the Ministry’s accomplishments in areas such as dams, irrigation, water quality, and WASH would be compiled and forwarded to UNICEF to identify new opportunities for collaboration.
The Minister’s sentiments were supported by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, who also assured UNICEF of a detailed account of the Ministry’s achievements.
Several directors from the Ministry, including Elizabeth Ugoh (Water Quality Control and Sanitation), Engineer Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi (Irrigation and Drainage), and Engineer Adeyinka Adenopo (Water Resources Planning & Technical Support Services), also spoke in favour of enhanced cooperation.
They specifically highlighted the positive impact of previous collaborations with UNICEF, such as those for World Water Day, and called for increased support, particularly concerning water quality for irrigation.
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Wafaa Saeed explained that the purpose of her visit was to gain a better understanding of the Ministry’s vision and priorities.
She also sought feedback that would enable UNICEF to provide more effective support. Saeed emphasised the critical importance of access to safe water and sanitation.
Additionally, she pointed out the potential for water resources to be used for hydropower, which can not only boost government revenue in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also provide vital support for health, education, and other essential sectors.
Saeed assured the Minister that UNICEF would continue to work closely with the Ministry in these areas.
The meeting underscores the mutual commitment of both organisations to improving water and sanitation services and leveraging water resources for broader national development.
The meeting between the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and UNICEF signals a strategic alignment of goals between the Nigerian government and a key international partner.
