As the 2024 International Water Association (IWA) Conference winds up in Canada, the Federal Government has assured that the country will implement the outcome of the conference as part of efforts to ensure Nigeria attains sustainable water and sanitation self-sufficiency.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev who led the Nigeria delegation to the conference reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to implementing the outcomes of the conference to achieve sustainable water and sanitation services for all
A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, said the minister who actively participated in a range of activities, including bilateral and multilateral engagements, underlining Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable water management is poised to ascend to the Vice Presidency of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) for the West African Region in February 2025.
“The conference, which brought together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders in the water sector, focused on critical issues of sustainability in water supply and sanitation, as well as the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
“Discussions centered on strategies for adaptation and effective management of water resources, aligning perfectly with the Honourable Minister’s vision of repositioning Nigeria’s water sector to meet the demands of the future.
“As Nigeria continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change on water availability and sanitation, the Minister emphasized the importance of innovative solutions and international collaboration to address these challenges,” the statement reads.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that engagements at the IWA conference provided a platform for Nigeria to exchange ideas with other nations and organizations, strengthening partnerships that will drive progress in the sector.
This forthcoming role underscores Nigeria’s increasing influence and leadership in the regional water sector.
