FG, partners pledge gender-inclusive water access on World Water Day 2026
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring gender-inclusive access to safe water and sanitation, describing it as a critical driver of sustainable development and national growth.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja to mark World Water Day 2026, observed annually on March 22. This year’s theme, “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” highlights the link between water access and gender equality.
Prof. Utsev said inclusive water and sanitation systems improve the health, dignity, and economic opportunities of women and girls. “Sustainable water systems reduce the burden of unpaid care work, increase girls’ school attendance, and improve maternal and child health outcomes,” he noted.
The minister highlighted the ministry’s achievements, including the construction and rehabilitation of over 6,700 water schemes, providing safe drinking water to more than 32 million Nigerians. Solar-powered boreholes and reticulation systems have been installed, particularly in underserved communities.
On sanitation, Prof. Utsev said over 5,200 public facilities have been built under the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, with 162 Local Government Areas certified as Open Defecation Free. Partnerships with organisations such as the World Bank and UNICEF have strengthened programmes like SURWASH and PEWASH, delivering inclusive WASH services across 17 states and the FCT.
He also pointed to ongoing irrigation and water infrastructure projects that support food security and economic empowerment, especially for women. He stressed the importance of female participation in decision-making and the use of sex-disaggregated data for effective planning, adding that sustained investment, intergovernmental collaboration, and political will are critical to achieving universal water and sanitation access by 2030.
In her address, Permanent Secretary Dr. Emanso Umobong, represented by Dr. Shola Adebiyi Tajudeen, highlighted the disproportionate impact of inadequate water access on women and girls and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive policies. UNICEF WASH Manager, Mr. Chiranjibi Tiwari, described Nigeria’s water crisis as a gender crisis, calling for stronger gender-sensitive policies and data-driven interventions.
The event featured goodwill messages from partners, a presentation of the World Water Development Report by Dr. Enang Momah of UNESCO, and a book presentation by UNICEF. A sensitisation campaign at Lugbe Car Wash, Abuja, included student presentations, awards for a hygiene video competition, and distribution of menstrual hygiene kits. The Director of Water Resources Planning and Technical Services, Mr. A. A. Adenopo, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of UNICEF, UNESCO, WILO Pumps, AWDROP, SURWASH, HOLBON, Coca-Cola, WaterAid, and other stakeholders.
