Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Achieving SDG 6 on Universal Access to Clean Water and Sanitation

Strategic Insights -

The Nigerian government, led by Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on universal access to clean water and sanitation. The government highlighted significant progress on public-private partnership initiatives, such as the 460 MW Katsina-Ala Dam and the 186 MW Bawarku Dam project on the Benue River. The minister also outlined flagship programs, including the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply (SURWASH) Project and the Ministry's Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) program.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving SDG 6 on universal access to clean water and sanitation.
  • The government has made significant progress on public-private partnership initiatives, including the 460 MW Katsina-Ala Dam and the 186 MW Bawarku Dam project.
  • Flagship programs, such as the SURWASH Project and the PEWASH program, are being implemented to expand access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in both urban and rural communities.
  • The Clean Nigeria Campaign aims to eliminate open defecation by 2030.
  • The government has expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support of the ministry and other MDAs in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.
  • Nigerian engineers and water professionals are playing a critical role in sustaining ongoing progress and ensuring equitable access to clean water and sanitation for all Nigerians.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria aims to achieve universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • The 460 MW Katsina-Ala Dam project is one of the ongoing public-private partnership initiatives identified by the government.
  • The 186 MW Bawarku Dam project on the Benue River is another significant public-private partnership initiative being implemented by the government.
  • The SURWASH Project is a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at improving urban and rural water supply and sanitation in Nigeria.
  • The PEWASH program is a government initiative aimed at expanding access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in both urban and rural communities.

Sources:

  • "Voice of Nigeria, September 17, 2025"
  • "8th International Water Conference, Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, September 2025"