The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has called for robust public-private partnership (PPP) investment in the water sector to achieve sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation services for Nigerians.
The announcement was made at the 5th Lagos State International Water Conference at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.
In a statement by the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Terhemen Oraduen, the Minister urged state governors, development partners, and the private sector to prioritize investment in the sector, emphasizing that the Federal Government will continue to support states through interventions to provide clean and safe water and improve sanitation for all.
Professor Utsev highlighted that Lagos, despite being the most populous and economically vibrant city in Nigeria, still faces significant challenges in providing adequate water and sanitation services for its large population.
He stressed that PPPs would ensure robust collaboration between government agencies and the private sector, attracting private investment, improving efficiency, and ensuring sustainable service delivery.
“The government can leverage private sector expertise and capital to upgrade existing water infrastructure and expand coverage to underserved areas,” he stated.
The Minister also advocated for community-based organizations to mobilize resources and implement low-cost, decentralized solutions tailored to local needs, particularly in areas of operation and maintenance.
He emphasized the importance of international development assistance, noting that multilateral organizations, bilateral donors, and development agencies play crucial roles in financing water and sanitation projects through grants, loans, and technical assistance.
Addressing the recent cholera outbreak, Professor Utsev outlined proactive measures taken by his ministry to prevent further spread of the waterborne disease.
These measures include reactivating the ministry’s laboratories across the six geopolitical zones, massive sensitization campaigns on personal hygiene, ensuring proper treatment or boiling of water, and cooking foods and vegetables before consumption.
Professor Utsev also called on state governors, traditional and religious leaders to intensify campaigns against open defecation and to build more decent toilets, aiming to achieve an open defecation-free target by next year.
Speaking at the conference, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment over the past five years to addressing the water needs of Lagosians.
Despite significant efforts, he acknowledged a considerable gap remains in achieving access to clean and safe water.
Sanwo-Olu called for more genuine and practical actions and support from the Federal Government, development partners, and other stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector.
The three-day International Conference, themed “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos,” featured presentations from the Consul General of Denmark in Lagos, Mrs. Jette Bjerrum, USAID, and other development partners.