Esther Salifu
Stakeholders have called on Federal Government to strengthen the water, sanitation, hygiene and (WASH) policies to combat the devastating impacts of climate change.
They disclosed this at the recent National Water Quality Conference in Abuja.
The Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria,
Evelyn Mere said the current state of WASH services is not encouraging.
She drew attention to alarming statistics from the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping Survey (WASHNORM).
“The statistics are stark, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping Survey (WASHNORM) highlighted that only 67% of Nigerians have access to basic water supply services, which leaves up to 44 million people without basic access. Access to basic sanitation remains even lower at 46%”, she said.
Mere stressed the importance of building resilience within WASH infrastructure.
“We must remember that climate resilience in WASH is not just about building stronger infrastructure. It is about ensuring that services anticipate, respond to, cope with, recover from, and adapt to climate-related events while ensuring universal and equitable access for all, including the most vulnerable, even in the face of uncertainty.”
She highlighted that participants will develop a concrete framework for inter-agency and multi-sectoral collaboration to effectively institutionalise WASH into climate change adaptation and mitigation plans, strategies and programmes.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Strengthening Policies and Investments for Climate Resilient Water and WASH Services”, is apt, relevant, and urgent, as policies are the underpinning frameworks upon which the planning of any form of effective responses to climate change can be built.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation Richard Pheelangwa, emphasized the need to tackle policy and investment gaps hindering climate-resilient WASH services.
“Many communities still face waterborne diseases, poor sanitation, and hygiene challenges. This is a platform to share knowledge, explore solutions, and collaborate with experts, policymakers, and advocates committed to sustainable WASH improvements.”
Pheelangwa concluded by underscoring the necessity of robust policies to attract investment.
“Strong policies are vital to attracting investments for climate-resilient WASH services. We must review existing frameworks, identify gaps, and strengthen them to support national development.”
The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and civil society organizations, all committed to enhancing Nigeria’s WASH sector in the face of climate change.
