12TH SEPT,2023
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation,has acknowledged UNICEF's significant contributions to Nigeria's growth and development in the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Sector.
This was revealed during the visit Dr Rownak Khan, Deputy Representative of Programme UNICEF Nigeria, and UNICEF WASH Manager, Chiranibi Tiwari to the Ministry on Tuesday 12th September,2023 in Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, alongside the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo Esq., the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, OON,mni, and some Directors in the Ministry received the UNICEF team during the visit.
Engr. Prof. Utsev emphasized the interconnection between WASH, health promotion, economic growth, and development and expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its impactful work in these areas.
According to him,“UNICEF has done tremendously well in the areas of water and sanitation, nutrition and health and the impact is felt in all aspects."
He reaffirmed the Nigerian government's commitment to improving the nation's WASH sector and welcomed further collaboration with the development partners.
He said "Nigerian government is working on its programmes such as the WASH in schools, WASH in health and Youth WASH interventions,” among many others.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo,Esq., stressed the need for key stakeholders in the WASH sector to step up their efforts to support the Federal Government in realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
He highlighted the significance of partnership in achieving the campaign to end open defecation and improve access to water supply and appropriate sanitation.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Dr. Rownak Khan, Deputy Representative of Programme, UNICEF Nigeria, revealed that there is a significant funding gap of $9.2 billion in Nigeria's Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
She emphasized the importance of closing these funding gaps to realize the WASH sector's roadmap and urged all tiers of government to play a more active role in creating an enabling environment to advance the cause of improved Water and Sanitation.
Dr Khan also highlighted the severe impact of low water access and poor sanitation on children, underscoring the need for immediate action.
She pledged UNICEF's unwavering partnership with the Federal Government to achieve the Campaign to End Open Defecation and Improve Access to Water Supply in Nigeria.
Mrs Funmi Imuetinyan
Head Press and PR Unit
Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
Email: fmwrpressunit@gmail.com
