The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has applauded the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its unwavering support to Nigeria’s water and sanitation sector, pledging sustained collaboration in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Prof. Utsev gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja while receiving the new UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with UNICEF, particularly in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme.
He noted that records of the Ministry’s achievements in Dams, Irrigation, Water Quality, and WASH would be compiled and shared with the UNICEF Country Office to identify further areas of collaboration.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, also assured that detailed reports would be made available to UNICEF for enhanced cooperation.
Directors from key departments, including Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh (Water Quality Control and Sanitation), Engr. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi (Irrigation and Drainage), and Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo (Water Resources Planning & Technical Support Services), lauded UNICEF’s role in supporting national WASH initiatives, citing its contributions to World Water Day activities and water quality programmes.
In her remarks, Ms. Saeed explained that her visit was aimed at better understanding the Ministry’s priorities and identifying ways UNICEF could deepen its support. She stressed the importance of safe water supply, sanitation, and the broader potential of water resources for hydropower, health, education, and economic development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She assured that UNICEF would continue to strengthen its collaboration with the Ministry in advancing Nigeria’s water and sanitation agenda.
Also in attendance were senior officials including the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Chuks Mbaike; Director II, Dams and Reservoir Operations, Mrs. Stella Arachie; and Deputy Director, Water Supply and Support Services, Engr. Hassan said
