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The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called on stakeholders to take deliberate actions to enhance water security, promote local water conservation programs, and adopt water-saving practices.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate World Water Day 2025, themed “Glacier Preservation”, the minister emphasized that while Nigeria does not have glaciers, their rapid melting contributes to global climate change and extreme weather events that indirectly impact the country.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through initiatives such as the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH), the National Action Plan for WASH, and the Nigeria Sustainable Urban and Rural WASH Programme. These programs aim to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene nationwide.
Utsev stressed the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to ensuring water security, calling on:
Federal Government to strengthen policies on climate adaptation, flood control, and sustainable water infrastructure.
State governments to implement local conservation programs, afforestation, and enforce environmental regulations.
Private sector to invest in eco-friendly technologies, support water management initiatives, and engage in corporate social responsibility for clean water access.
NGOs and research institutions to raise awareness, conduct climate resilience studies, and advocate for community-based adaptation measures.
Communities and individuals to adopt water-saving habits, participate in afforestation, and push for stronger environmental policies.
“As we commemorate World Water Day 2025, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to safe and sustainable water. A water-secure Nigeria is a climate-resilient Nigeria,” Utsev stated.
The minister also launched the United Nations World Water Development Report, climate-resilient water safety plan guidelines, and revised technical designs for WASH facilities.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed that water is a critical resource for national development and requires careful management for both present and future generations.
Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of WASH, Dr. Jane Bevan, underscored the urgent need to address climate change impacts on water security.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s support in strengthening Nigeria’s climate resilience through water safety planning and improved WASH facility designs.
As climate change accelerates, stakeholders agreed that sustainable water management and climate-conscious policies must be prioritized to safeguard Nigeria’s water future.
