By John Oba
Abuja
The United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Jan Eliasson has commended the efforts of the federal government in making available water for multipurpose uses of its citizenry.
A statement signed by the head of press and public relations unit, Mrs Boade Akinola, and made available to Blueprint yesterday said the commendation was contained in a letter of appreciation signed by the UN Deputy Secretary General and forwarded to the minister of water resources, Mrs Serah Reng Ochekpe, as part of the outcome of his visit to Nigeria in March, where they discussed issues relating to water and sanitation.
Mr. Eliasson said: “My visit confirmed the great strides forward that the government of Nigeria, not least through the federal ministry of water resources, is making towards ensuring access to clean water and adequate sanitation in the country. I commend your dedication as minister of water resources, and reaffirm the continued support of the United Nations in your work”.
He added that “Nigeria continues to demonstrate its pivotal role for both the development and the security agendas in Africa. The Secretary- General and I look forward to continuing our dialogue with you and your government as we work together to achieve our common objectives”.
It should be recalled that during the visit of Mr Eliasson to Nigeria Mrs Ochekpe, then informed him that access to potable water in Nigeria was put at 71% and Sanitation at 41%. She also told the visiting envoy that the sum of %2.5 billion was needed for Nigeria to meet up with the MDGs target on water and sanitation.
The therefore sought for UN assistance and cooperation in addressing the sector.
