The Federal Government is collaborating with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to address pressing issues of flooding, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services in Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who stated this when the UNESCO’s Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Abdourahammanne Diallo, paid him a courtesy call recently in Abuja, said the impact of flooding affects both humans, its environment and the economy.
In a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan, the minister stressed that flooding issues come with hazards that negatively affect both the people and the economy.
He added that UNESCO’s package for Nigeria and Africa is fundamental in the areas of flood management, water supply, water quality components, irrigation, and hydrology, among others.
According to him, this collaboration will advance groundwater management.
He revealed the Clean Nigeria Campaign initiative of the federal government, which aims to achieve the ambitious goal of making the country open defecation-free by the year 2025, is an ongoing national campaign.
He added that the ministry will collaborate with the UN body to propagate the campaign, build more toilets, and increase sensitization among Nigeria.
Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev highlighted the criticality of water conservation and called for increased collaboration between the Ministry and UNESCO in preparation for the upcoming World Water Day, slated for March 22 this year.
During the visit, Mr. Abdourahammanne Diallo, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, emphasized the crucial role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in the nation’s well-being.
He congratulated Nigeria on its progress within the UNESCO Intergovernmental Programmes and assured ongoing support from UNESCO to assist the Ministry in achieving its mandate in alignment with the change agenda of Mr. President.
