The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for more innovative solutions that will reposition Nigeria’s water resources and sanitation sectors in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Utsev made this call at the opening of a three-day Top Management Retreat with the theme, “Strategic Planning for Achieving Ministerial Mandate’’ Thursday in Abuja.
The Minister represented by the Minister of State, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, said the retreat was an opportunity to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to strengthen water governance in the country.
According to him, Nigeria can build a future where every citizen has access to clean water and sanitation services, and the environment thrives for generations to come.
He said the country was faced with numerous challenges, from population growth to climate change and it was the ministry’s duty to rise above the challenges and find innovative solutions.
“I believe that through knowledge exchange, and collaboration, we can develop strategies and action plans that will lead to tangible improvements in the sector across the country.
“I am confident that this retreat will not only equip us to meet the challenges of our expanded mandate, but will also strengthen our resolve to create positive change in the water resources and sanitation sector.
“Therefore, let us work together to ensure that Nigerians have access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and sustainable irrigation practices for a healthier and more prosperous future,’’ he said.
According to the minister, the issues were being addressed in alignment with the eight target areas of the president, adding that the retreat was an important step towards achieving them.
Utsev urged the participants to develop strategies and plans that would reposition the ministry’s policies, saying it should be in line with the expanded mandate and shared vision for a better future.
He also urged them to push aside sentiments and ensure that the ministry’s Standard Operating Procedures, vision, mission, mandates and functions aligned properly with the present administration’s focus areas.
Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Didi Walson-Jack, said the ministry’s role in ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s water resources by providing access to safe and clean water for all was crucial.
According to her, addressing the various challenges associated with water supply, irrigation, sanitation and water related hazards should be embraced by all.
“This retreat has become necessary to re-strategise and reposition the ministry to deliver on its expanded mandate following its re-designation.
“We will focus on the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation’s programmes and other key policies and mandates that shape our work”.
She said the vision; mission, mandate and structure of the ministry guided the programmes and actions, saying they contributed to overall water resources development and management.
