Federal Ministry Of Water Resources Abuja Nigeria

As the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks its third anniversary, a special documentary highlighting key achievements in the water and sanitation sector under the leadership of Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, will be aired tomorrow, May 31, 2026, on TVC at 8:30 p.m.

Please don’t miss it.

Eid Mubarak greetings from the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE.

PHOTO NEWS:
2026 INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE CONFERENCE

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Umobong, participated in the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) held in Abuja, Nigeria, from May 20–21, 2026.

Organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the conference was themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results.” The event brought together government officials, civil service leaders, policy experts, development partners, and international organizations to discuss strategies for strengthening public administration and service delivery.

Key areas of discussion included civil service reform, digital transformation, leadership and workforce development, innovation in governance, accountability and transparency, as well as improved public service delivery. The conference provided an important platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advancing reforms aimed at building a more efficient, resilient, and citizen-focused public service.

Below are some photographs from the Conference 👇

Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
21 May,2026

PROGRAMME PROMOTION
CHANGE OF TIME:

The insightful documentary highlighting the key achievements of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation under the leadership of Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, earlier scheduled for 8:30 p.m. tonight, will now be aired tonight, on the network service of the Nigerian Television Authority at 10:05 p.m.

Any inconvenience caused is regretted.

Please don’t miss it.

PROGRAMME PROMOTION.

An insightful documentary highlighting the key achievements of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation under Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, will be aired tomorrow(Thursday 21 May) on the network service of the NTA at 8:30 pm.

Please don't miss.

PRESS RELEASE

FG Deepens Partnership with World Toilet Organization to Advance National Sanitation Goals

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, hosted the Founder of the World Toilet Organization, Professor Dr. Jack Sim, in Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen sanitation, hygiene, and sustainable public health systems across Nigeria.

The globally renowned sanitation advocate was received by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, alongside the Ministry’s top management team, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Terlumun Utsev.

The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration toward advancing the Clean Nigeria Campaign through the exchange of global best practices, innovative sanitation solutions, and successful international models aimed at ending open defecation and improving hygiene standards nationwide.

Speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary described Dr. Jack Sim’s contributions to global sanitation advocacy as transformative, noting that his efforts have helped position sanitation not merely as an environmental concern, but as a critical issue of human dignity, public health, economic productivity, and sustainable development.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for its longstanding partnership with the World Toilet Organization and acknowledged the organization’s continued support toward achieving universal access to sanitation services across the country.

According to her, the visit comes at a strategic time as the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, intensifies efforts to improve water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental sustainability nationwide.

Dr. Umobong further recalled Nigeria’s successful hosting of the World Toilet Summit 2022, which significantly strengthened national commitment toward ending open defecation and accelerating the implementation of the Clean Nigeria Campaign. She highlighted progress recorded through increased sanitation awareness, expansion of Community-Led Total Sanitation initiatives, and the declaration of additional Local Government Areas and States as Open Defecation Free.

While acknowledging persistent challenges, including rapid urbanization, population growth, and limited access to safely managed sanitation services, the Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations, and local communities to achieve sustainable sanitation outcomes.

In his welcome address, the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mr. Habu Jamilu, mni, commended Dr. Jack Sim for his unwavering commitment to global sanitation advocacy and sustainable development. He noted that the World Toilet Summit 2022 further reinforced Nigeria’s resolve to end open defecation and expressed optimism that sustained collaboration, innovation, and stakeholder engagement would support the country’s drive toward achieving Open Defecation Free status nationwide.

In his remarks, Dr. Jack Sim stressed that sanitation should not be viewed solely as a government responsibility, but as a collective societal mission requiring the active participation of communities, the private sector, media organizations, celebrities, influencers, traditional institutions, and local leadership.

He emphasized that public awareness, behavioral change, and community ownership remain critical to breaking the silence around sanitation and achieving lasting transformation.

He pledged enhanced collaboration with the Ministry to accelerate the campaign and achieve an Open Defecation Free Nigeria as soon as possible.

The meeting also featured contributions from directors of the Ministry and development partners, including Self Help Africa, which reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Ministry and other stakeholders in driving systemic change and improving access to sanitation services across Nigeria.

In her vote of thanks, the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, Mrs. Chizoba Opara, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary for their sustained support and commitment toward achieving the mandate of the Clean Nigeria Campaign.

She also commended Dr. Jack Sim for his inspiring visit and enduring partnership with Nigeria in advancing sanitation and hygiene development.

Mrs. Opara further appreciated all directors, development partners, stakeholders, and participants for their unwavering support and expressed optimism for sustained collaboration toward addressing Nigeria’s sanitation challenges through inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered approaches.

Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
19 May, 2026

FG Inaugurates Technical Committee to drive National Water Compact, Strengthen Water Governance

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Ministerial Technical Working Committee for the development of the National Water Compact as part of renewed efforts to strengthen sustainable water governance and improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Nigeria.

The inauguration ceremony which was performed by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev FNSE today at the Conference Room of the Ministry in Abuja, marks a significant step toward deepening integrated water resources management, enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration, and aligning Nigeria’s water sector reforms with international best practices.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Utsev, described the proposed National Water Compact as a strategic framework that will provide a clear roadmap for sustainable development within the nation’s water sector.

According to the Minister, the initiative is expected to define practical and coordinated measures aimed at strengthening water governance, improving institutional efficiency, and expanding equitable access to water and sanitation services nationwide.

He stressed the importance of synergy among relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, sub-national governments, and other critical stakeholders in ensuring the successful development and implementation of the Compact.

The Minister further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary institutional coordination and technical support required for the successful delivery of the assignment. He also appreciated the contributions and support of development partners and stakeholders toward the initiative.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, described the Committee as a critical component of Nigeria’s commitment at the African Union level toward strengthening water security and sanitation service delivery across Africa.

She disclosed that the National Water Compact is expected to be finalized before December 2026. She therefore urged members of the Committee to remain focused on developing a realistic, comprehensive, and implementable framework capable of addressing the country’s water challenges.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee and Director of Water Supply and Support Services in the Ministry, Mr. Babarinde Segun Mukaila, noted that the Compact would play a vital role in strengthening water institutions, improving climate resilience, and identifying priority interventions necessary for sustainable sectoral growth.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Development Partners Group, Dr. Chidera Chukwu commended the Ministry for the initiative and reaffirmed the commitment of partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, and WaterAid, to supporting the successful implementation of the National Water Compact.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s water governance architecture and accelerate progress toward achieving sustainable and inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene services for all citizens.

Also present at the inauguration were representatives of the Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Women Affairs, and Environment.

The high point of the event was the formal inauguration of the Ministerial Technical Working Committee by the Honourable Minister, alongside the presentation of the Committee’s Terms of Reference by the Permanent Secretary.

Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and Public Relations

12/05/2026

PHOTO NEWS

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the speedy implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and sustainable development during a meeting with the World Bank implementation Team held today in Abuja.

The Honourable Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr.Emanso Umobong, received the World Bank delegation led by Zacharias Ziegelhofer alongside team members Parvin and Chinedu Umolu during the strategic meeting.

Also in attendance were key Technical Directors of the Ministry, including the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah; the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Oyeronke Oluniyi; the Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, Engr. Christy Oduh; heads of the Ministry’s technical units on Irrigation and Drainage and Dams; representative of the Ministry of Power; as well as the National Coordinator of the SPIN Project, Ipinlaye Olaiya, alongside other members of the SPIN Project team.

Discussions during the meeting centred on the World Bank mission to review progress under the SPIN Project, strengthen institutional coordination, enhance procurement processes, accelerate implementation activities, and upscale project delivery across participating states.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of capacity building, technical readiness, and improved operational efficiency to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of the project.

Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
7th May, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

FG, Edo State Strengthen Collaboration on River Basin Protection and Food Security

The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have reinforced their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at protecting critical River Basin facilities and enhancing food security across the state.

This was the focus of discussions when the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, led a delegation, including the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Emanso Umobong and senior officials of the Ministry, and members of the Board of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), on a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister underscored the urgent need for sustained collaboration to safeguard critical assets of BORBDA from vandalism, encroachment, and other threats. He identified the Obayantor Integrated Farm as a major concern, noting that its operations have been adversely affected by such activities. He called for strengthened security presence and the support of the Edo State Government in protecting facilities and recovering encroached farmlands in Obayantor, Illushi-Ega, Ukpoke, Ewatto, and Lampese.

The Minister also raised concerns about the operation of a borrow pit at Obayantor, urging the state government to ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations.

He commended the Governor for his earlier visit to the River Basin headquarters in Obayantor and advocated deeper collaboration in rehabilitating the facility to serve as a hub for youth empowerment in agriculture and water resources management.

On infrastructure development, Prof. Utsev disclosed that the jointly implemented Jattu Dam project has recorded significant progress. He appealed to the Edo State Government to fulfil its counterpart funding obligation, representing 25 percent of the total project cost, to facilitate timely completion.

He further called for urgent intervention at the Auchi Integrated Farm to address gully erosion threatening the facility. While commending the Governor’s leadership and ongoing infrastructure initiatives in the state, the Minister also acknowledged Edo State’s support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In his response, Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed Edo State’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Government to accelerate water infrastructure development, strengthen security around critical assets, and deliver tangible benefits to residents.

The Governor emphasized that strong federal–state partnerships are vital for sustainable development, particularly in the water sector. He expressed concern over incidents of vandalism, noting that the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) would significantly enhance the protection of lives and infrastructure.

He also assured that the state government would consider meeting its counterpart funding obligations for ongoing federal water projects, particularly the Jattu Dam in Etsako West Local Government Area, in the overall interest of the people.

Earlier, during the Minister’s working visit to BORBDA, the Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Samuel Adekanmbi, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to repositioning river basin operations as a key driver of water resources management, food security, and economic growth.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency despite prevailing challenges, and expressed optimism that BORBDA will scale up its interventions and deliver on its mandate to boost food production and improve livelihoods across its areas of operation.

The visit underscores the renewed commitment of both the Federal Government and Edo State Government to strengthening collaboration in protecting national assets, advancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring long-term food security.

Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and Public Relations

28 April, 2026

‎PRESS RELEASE

Nigeria hosts Western African Sub- Regional Ministerial and Technical Advisory Committee Consultation on Formulation of the First Implementation Plan (2026-2033) of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy.
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‎The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is hosting the Western African Sub-Regional Ministerial and Technical Advisory Committee Consultation on Formulation of the first implementation plan (2026-2033) of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and policy.
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Discussions at the 3-day consultation which commenced today, 21 April, in Abuja, Nigeria, will continue majorly on critical issues which exert unprecedented pressure on Africa's water resources and provide opportunities to articulate priorities and come out with meaningful strategies that will shape the implementation plan (2026-2033).
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‎Declaring the consultation open, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCOW) Vice President for Western Africa, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE stated that "Nigeria was privileged to host this strategic consultation, not only as the host of the AMCOW Secretariat, but as a steadfast partner in advancing Africa's collective Water and Sanitation agenda".
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‎The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to advancing water security, sanitation, and climate resilience across the continent. He emphasized that the Africa Water Vision 2063 provides a transformative framework for achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth in line with Agenda 2063.
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‎He commended the African Union Commission, AMCOW, and development partners for the successful launch of the Africa Water Vision 2063 at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, stressing that the launch provided a landmark achievement for bold, transformative, and forward-looking framework that positions water security and sanitation as central pillars for achieving Africa's long-term development aspirations under Agenda 2026.
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‎Highlighting the urgency of the consultation, the Minister pointed to increasing pressures on water resources due to rapid urbanization, climate variability, and growing demand across sectors. He stressed the need for coordinated regional action to address gaps in access to safely managed water and sanitation services.
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‎According to him, the consultation aims to define regional priorities and measurable targets aligned with Agenda 2063; develop harmonized policy, institutional, and financing frameworks;
‎identify transformative programmes and investment opportunities; and strengthen implementation, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.
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‎The Minister also outlined Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in the water and sanitation sector, including the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Clean Nigeria Campaign to end open defecation, and the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project. He reiterated the government’s commitment to aligning national initiatives with continental priorities.
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‎In his welcome address, the Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Mr. Segun Mukaila Babarinde, described the consultation as a critical milestone in translating the Africa Water Vision 2063 into actionable programmes and measurable outcomes. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technical expertise, policy insights, and regional collaboration to develop a pragmatic and inclusive implementation plan.
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‎He called on participants to actively engage, share best practices, and contribute to shaping a results-oriented roadmap that reflects the unique priorities of the West African sub-region while supporting broader continental objectives.‎

Dr. Nyambe Nyambe of the African Union Commission described the consultation as a pivotal moment for shaping Africa’s water future, highlighting growing challenges such as rapid urbanization, informal settlements, and emphasized the need to protect water resources from pollution and prevent conflicts.

Also speaking, Mr. Kouassi Alexis of ECOWAS reaffirmed the region’s commitment to implementing the Africa Water Vision 2063, noting ongoing efforts to update its 2008 water policy and announcing a forthcoming regional water forum in Abidjan. He stressed that water is fundamental to Africa’s industrialization, agriculture, and overall development.

In his remarks, AMCOW official Mr. Nelson Gomonda described the designation of water and sanitation as the African Union’s Theme for the Year 2026 as a historic achievement. He urged member states to develop national implementation plans to ensure ownership and accountability, noting that it is the first time since 2008 that water and sanitation have been elevated to such a high level on the continental agenda.

The consultation, convened by AMCOW in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria, brought together ministers, technical experts, development partners, and representatives of regional

The meeting continues till Thursday 23rd April with discussions and deliberations on the first implementation plan 2026-2033 of the African Water Vision 2063 policy, mobilization around key events, stakeholder updates, New/ existing initiatives and the opening of TAC/TEC meeting among other issues.

The outcomes of the meeting are expected to inform regional and continental policy dialogues and guide investments toward achieving water security, climate resilience, and universal access to sanitation across Africa.

Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
21 April 2026