The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable water for all Nigerians as he declared open the 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference today in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister described the conference as a critical national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders working to safeguard Nigeria’s water resources. He noted that the theme of this year’s conference, “Water Quality in a Changing Climate: Policies, Innovation and Practice,” is timely, given the growing impact of climate change on water resources across the country.
Prof. Utsev highlighted the increasing threats posed by flooding, drought, pollution, and rapid urbanization, stressing that water quantity and quality must be managed in an integrated and climate-resilient manner. He emphasized the need for science-based approaches and stronger partnerships to address emerging challenges affecting both surface and groundwater systems.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry has made significant progress in implementing recommendations from the maiden edition of the conference held in 2025. These include the rollout of Climate-Resilient Community Water Safety Plans in 100 communities in Bauchi State in collaboration with UNICEF, as well as the adoption of the One Health approach to strengthen the link between human, animal, and environmental health in water safety planning.
He further noted that the Federal Government is strengthening water quality monitoring systems through the National Water Quality Reference Laboratory Network, with facilities strategically located across the six geopolitical zones. In addition, efforts are underway to deploy a National Water Quality Dashboard within the WASH Information Management System to enhance data-driven decision-making and transparency.
Prof. Utsev also highlighted ongoing initiatives to protect water sources, including the development of mitigation and contingency plans to restore polluted water bodies, as well as engagements with State Governments to establish and strengthen water regulatory agencies. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to promoting the adoption of the Nigerian Roadmap for Water Quality Management nationwide.
Earlier in her welcome address, Dr. Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, highlighted the urgent need to address climate-driven challenges to Nigeria’s water resources. She emphasized that safe water is a public health priority and fundamental human right, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthened policies, improved governance, and strategic partnerships.
The Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the FMWR&S, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, delivered a presentation on the implementation of the conclusions from the 2025 Water Quality Conference.
Also speaking, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria Plc reaffirmed the company’s commitment to water stewardship, collaboration, and sustainable practices and highlighted the launch of the National Water Quality Handbook, developed with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and OPS-WASH, as a key tool for strengthening standards and promoting best practices.
The conference, organized with partners including SURWASH, UNICEF, WaterAid, Nestlé Nigeria, OPS-WASH, and the Society for Family Health (SFH), is addressing critical issues such as access to clean water, climate impacts on water quality, adoption of One Health approaches, and strategies for building resilience against contamination risks.
Also present at the Conference were representatives of line ministries; directors of FMWR&S, commissioners of water resources; Managing Directors of River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs); General Managers of State Water Boards; and other top government officials.
Highlight of the opening session was the launch of the Water Quality Handbook to support community-level sensitization and best practices.
The Conference continues till 1st April with technical sessions.
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