By Osaretin OsadebamwenÂ
The Federal Government has commenced the development of a National Water Compact aimed at improving access to sustainable water resources for domestic, agricultural and environmental needs across Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing delegates at the ongoing Africa Water Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium in Kigali, Rwanda.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Personal Assistant to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Terhemen Oraduen.
Utsev said the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6), which seeks universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.
According to the minister, the National Water Compact will focus on three key areas: water for people, water for food and water for the planet.
He said the initiative is being developed in collaboration with state and local governments, with the final draft expected to be validated by stakeholders this month.
The minister explained that the Federal Government is also pursuing reforms designed to move Nigeria’s water and sanitation sector from fragmented institutions towards a more coordinated national system.
He listed programmes including Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH), Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN), and the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH).
Utsev said the government was working with development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, UNICEF and WaterAid, as well as the private sector, to complement public resources.
He stressed that stronger collaboration among governments, development partners and other stakeholders would be necessary to achieve universal access to clean, safe and sustainable water.
The development comes amid growing demand for reliable water supplies for households, agriculture and industrial activities across Nigeria.
