The Federal Government has intensified its collaboration with the World Bank to enhance Nigeria’s water resources and sanitation infrastructure and expand access to safe and sustainable water supply for citizens across the country.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the World Bank Global Director (Water), Saroj Kumar Jha, and his delegation to the Ministry.
Prof. Utsev, according to a statement by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director, Information and Public Relations, said the partnership forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen water infrastructure, improve sanitation services, and promote the sustainable management of the nation’s water resources amid increasing climate pressures.
He disclosed that climate change is already placing significant strain on Nigeria’s water systems, as evident in erratic rainfall patterns, flooding, and declining groundwater recharge among others.
He explained that the Ministry is implementing reforms and projects aimed at improving irrigation efficiency, rehabilitating dams, strengthening hydrological data systems, and promoting integrated river basin management to support sustainable water supply and food security nationwide.
The Minister commended the World Bank for its sustained support to Nigeria’s water sector, particularly through the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Programme, which has now evolved into the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Programme.
He noted that while the TRIMING Programme laid a strong institutional and infrastructure foundation for modern irrigation management, the SPIN Programme is expected to further expand irrigation development and boost hydropower generation across the country.
He also highlighted the progress recorded under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, noting that the initiative is strengthening state water agencies, improving regulatory frameworks, and expanding access to safely managed water and sanitation services.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Emanso Umobong, thanked the World Bank for its continued partnership with Nigeria.
She expressed optimism that continued cooperation between Nigeria and the World Bank will accelerate the reforms and investments needed to secure sustainable water supply and sanitation services for Nigerians.
Earlier, the World Bank Global Director for Water, Saroj Kumar Jha, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing its water challenges.
He described Nigeria as a critical country in the global water landscape, noting that progress in tackling water security challenges in the country would have far-reaching implications for Africa and the world, given its size and population.
Jha emphasized that global experience shows that universal water access cannot be achieved through public financing alone, urging governments to create enabling policies and regulatory frameworks that will attract private sector investment in water infrastructure.