Nigeria’s water minister highlights climate-resilient WASH Initiatives

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The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engineer Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has stressed the need to address climate challenges in Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The minister spoke a three-day National Workshop on the Development of Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan for the WASH Sector in Nigeria, held in Abuja on June 26, 2024.

The minister, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, stated that the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan aims to foster climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, such as boreholes and toilets, to ensure lasting effectiveness and sustainability for future generations.

He highlighted the severe impact of climate change on communities, adding that climate hazards significantly affect WASH facilities, leading to increased social and economic risks, including youth exposure, higher household medical expenses, low agricultural productivity, school dropouts, reduced productivity, and civil unrest.

According to him, ”The Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan provides a comprehensive framework to assess current climate situations across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

”The plan offers innovative solutions to enhance WASH services, ensuring the infrastructure is resilient to climate impacts.”

Prof. Utsev, who emphasized strengthening WASH services nationwide, especially in light of recent cholera outbreaks, stressed in the need to collaborate among Federal Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), State Governments, NGOs, and Development Partners.

He advocated for promoting behavioural change, enhancing capacity through training, leveraging innovative technology, and pooling resources and expertise.

”Engaging communities and educating children and adults on climate-resilient WASH practices are also crucial,” he said.

Prof. Utsev called for active participation from all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to allocating resources, enacting policies, and creating an enabling environment for climate-resilient WASH.

He urged State Governments and partners to mobilize communities, raise awareness, and ensure accountability.

The Minister also encouraged the private sector to contribute through innovative technologies, investments, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

He thanked UNICEF for initiating the Climate Risk Analysis for the WASH sector, highlighting the ongoing support from UNICEF and other Development Partners.

”Their role in providing technical assistance, sharing best practices, and facilitating knowledge exchange is vital,” he noted.

Also, Mr Mukaila Segun Babarinde, Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, identified the challenges posed by erratic rainfall patterns and rising sea levels on Nigeria’s fragile WASH infrastructure.

He highlighted the broader health, educational, and economic impacts of flooding and drought on WASH practices and reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to advocacy and robust policy frameworks.