The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in improving access to safe water and sanitation across Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, gave the assurance while receiving the new UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev commended UNICEF for its long-standing support to Nigeria’s water and sanitation sector, noting that the partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He pledged continuous cooperation with the agency, particularly in advancing the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme.
The minister said the Ministry would compile and forward details of its achievements in dams, irrigation, water quality, and sanitation to the UNICEF representative to help identify fresh areas of collaboration.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, also pledged that the Ministry would provide a detailed account of its ongoing programmes and impact.
Directors in the Ministry, including Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh (Water Quality Control and Sanitation), Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi (Irrigation and Drainage), and Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo (Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Services), highlighted the positive impact of UNICEF-supported WASH initiatives. They pointed to the World Water Day campaigns and urged deeper cooperation, especially in improving water quality for irrigation and agricultural development.
Responding, Ms. Wafaa Saeed said her visit was to better understand the Ministry’s vision and priorities, and to gather feedback that would enable UNICEF to provide more tailored support. She stressed the importance of access to safe water supply, sanitation, and the development of hydropower resources, noting their potential to boost government revenue and drive progress in health, education, and other sectors.
She assured the Minister that UNICEF would continue to work closely with Nigeria to expand access to safe water and sanitation, while supporting efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Other officials present at the meeting included Mr. Chuks Mbaike (Director, Special Duties), Mrs. Stella Arachie (Director II, Dams and Reservoir Operations), and Engr. Habu Hassan (Deputy Director, Water Supply and Support Services).