The Federal Government has commenced a nationwide consultation with states and other stakeholders to develop a National Water Compact aimed at addressing Nigeria’s persistent water and sanitation challenges and strengthening water security across the country.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the nationwide stakeholders’ consultation workshop for the development of the Nigeria National Water Compact.
Utsev said the initiative was necessary to address persistent challenges in the water sector, including rapid urbanisation, population growth, climate change, environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, fragmented institutional arrangements and financing constraints.
He said the challenges had continued to affect Nigeria’s ability to provide reliable water supply, sanitation services and productive water use.
“Water is at the centre of sustainable development. It underpins public health, food security, economic growth, environmental sustainability, energy production and national security,” the minister said.
