FG Pledges Action On Water Quality, Public Health

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling water quality challenges in the country as it launched the maiden edition of the National Water Quality Conference.

Declaring the conference open yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, stressed the urgency of addressing water contamination and inadequate access to safe drinking water.

Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, the minister cited the 2021 Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) National Outcomes Routine Monitoring Report, which revealed that while 67 percent of Nigerians have access to basic water supply services, a significant gap remains in ensuring safely managed drinking water.

The conference, organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with water sector partners, served as a strategic platform to develop policies and solutions aimed at ensuring safe and clean water for all Nigerians.

Prof. Utsev expressed concerns about the health risks associated with poor sanitation and open defecation, which contribute to waterborne diseases. However, he assured that the ministry is actively implementing measures to enhance water quality management through modern technology, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions.

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In his welcome address, the permanent secretary, represented by the director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, emphasised that achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, particularly Target 6.1 (universal access to safe drinking water) and Target 6.3 (improving water quality by reducing pollution), requires strong policies, institutional reforms, and multi-sectoral collaboration.

The conference also featured discussions on Water Quality Management Policy and Governance, Water Quality and Health, the Status of Water Quality in Nigeria, and Water Quality Monitoring and Management.

Prof. Utsev urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute to shaping policies that will improve the country’s water quality, ensuring access to safe drinking water for all citizens.

The outcomes of the conference are expected to strengthen national policies, improve monitoring systems, and accelerate efforts towards achieving universal access to clean and safe water.