The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to promoting eco-friendly practices that ensure clean rivers across the country.
It gave the reassurance in Abuja at a press conference commemorating the 2025 World Rivers Day In Nigeria.
It was themed "Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities,”
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, noted the challenge of unsafe water and poor sanitation have remained enormous in the country.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, he said that the Federal Government has introduced various initiatives to
address community concerns related to access to clean water and waterborne diseases.
According to him, the reality has driven the Ministry’s resolve to expand access to clean water, strengthen sanitation systems, and protect Rivers as the lifelines of development.
He said "Looking ahead, we intend to focus on the following:
i. Achieving a nationwide Open Defecation Free status by 2030, building on the progress already made with 151 LGAs now certified ODF.
"ii. Scaling up climate-smart sanitation systems that withstand flooding.
"III Strengthening collaboration with States, LGAs, civil society, and river advocates for wider public
awareness.
"iv. Promoting eco-friendly practices such as community river clean-ups, riparian vegetation restoration, and pollution control measures."
Stressing that the theme of 2025 celebration in Nigeria couldn't have been more apt, he said, all the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) across the country are also marking the day.
"This occasion reminds us that safeguarding rivers is directly tied to safeguarding public health, food security, livelihoods, and the environment. Healthy rivers sustain hydrologic balance, preserve aquatic biodiversity, and underpin economic development.
"In Nigeria, the chosen sub-theme for 2025 underscores the nexus between river water, flooding, and environmental health. As a Ministry with statutory responsibility for water and sanitation, we are acutely aware of the dangers posed by human activities that degrade rivers, fuel flooding, and compromise sanitation infrastructure.
"We must continuously advocate for integrated urban planning
approaches that recognize the link between sanitation, drainage, and climate resilience."
He said that the event is not only about advocacy, but also about action.
Some of the several key interventions that the Ministry has embarked upon aligning with the message include:
"i. Expanded the reach of the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH), ensuring more rural communities now enjoy safe water access.
"ii. Scaled up investments in sustainable Sanitation infrastructure, reducing pollution risks to rivers in the pilot States through the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH).
"iii. The “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign” has continued to gain momentum, having 21 states declared as Open Defecation Free (ODF) with Jigawa State sustaining its record as the first ODF in Nigeria, and 151 Local Government Areas nationwide now declared ODF.
"iv. The River Basin Development Authorities have intensified community-inclusive initiatives, including mainstreaming of Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM)
"Principles at catchment levels, tree planting, and small-scale irrigation systems designed to protect riverbank, reduce siltation, and enhance food production."
The Minister said that the interventions are not just projects, but deliberate steps toward healthier rivers and
communities.
He said that it is directly tied to some of the key components of the Renewed Hope Agenda - ensuring food security, creating jobs, and improving the socio-economic lives of Nigerians.
"Healthy rivers mean safe irrigation water, higher crop yields, cleaner
environments, and improved public health outcomes." he stated
He was optimistic that change is possible when working together; especially with the progress made so far, with 151 Local Government Areas now declared Open Defecation Free, expanding access to safe water through PEWASH and SURWASH, and other ongoing community river clean-ups.
The Minister urged all stakeholders, including government, civil society, private sector, media, and every Nigerian, to see themselves as guardians
of Nigerian rivers.
"Let us remember that:
i. Our rivers are not refuse dumps.
ii. Our rivers must not be polluted with sewage,
effluents, or open defecation.
iii. Protecting our rivers is safeguarding ourselves, our health, and our economy.
"Together, we can build a future where every river in Nigeria flows clean and secure the health and dignity of our populace. Let this World Rivers Day remind us that clean rivers truly mean healthy communities, safe food, vibrant ecosystems, and resilient economies." he said
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, represented by the Director Reforms Coordinator in the ministry, Moses Jo-Madugu, stressed that rivers' protection is not a choice but a necessity, as degradation of the water bodies directly threatens public health, food production, and environmental stability.
He said "Rivers are not just water bodies flowing through our landscapes, but essential assets that sustain life, provide livelihoods, and shape the social and economic progress of our nations.
"Our gathering today is highly strategic, to disseminate the message that rivers must be treated with respect and managed with care because they connect communities, nurture ecosystems, and hold cultural values.
"Safeguarding rivers also implies securing human dignity, social well-being, and inter-generational equity. This is why advocacy around this day is critical –as it raises awareness, mobilizes communities, and inspires practical solutions that can prevent pollution, restore degraded waterways, and promote responsible use." he stated
Speaking at the press conference, the Director River Basins Operation and Inspectorate Department, Engr Christy Oduh, harps on the link between rivers and health in the country.
She therefore called for more care for rivers in the country to boost the health of Nigerians and the coming generations.