The Federal Government has deepened its collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) on water resources and sanitation management as part of efforts to advance food security and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The renewed partnership was reaffirmed during a courtesy by an NESG delegation to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, in Abuja. The delegation was led by Mr. Nnana Ude.
Receiving the group, Prof. Utsev reaffirmed the priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on inclusivity, food security, and sustainable development.
He noted that the administration remains committed to leveraging public-private partnerships as a driver of national growth.
“The core mandate of the Ministry is to ensure the provision of safe and clean water, as well as improved sanitation services across the country,” the Minister said, adding that the Ministry was working closely with the private sector and other stakeholders in that regard.
Prof. Utsev, in a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, further disclosed that the Ministry is strengthening engagement with sub-national governments and local communities to improve access to water supply and sanitation services nationwide.
He stressed that the private sector continues to play a significant role in the implementation of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign and other sector initiatives.
The Minister also encouraged investors to take advantage of opportunities within the irrigation and food security value chain, noting that Nigeria possesses abundant water and land resources capable of supporting large-scale agricultural production and ensuring national food security.
Earlier, according to the statement, the leader of the NESG delegation, Mr. Nnana Ude, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the Group and the Ministry on several policy initiatives and strategic documents.
These include the CEO Water Mandate (2021/2022), the Water Resources Master Plan, Catchment Management Plans, Water and Sanitation Plans, as well as efforts aimed at attracting investments for the development of water resources infrastructure.
Mr. Ude emphasized the importance of continuous policy reviews and updates to address emerging challenges in the sector.
He noted that the Water Resources Master Plan, which was developed with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), requires review and updating to reflect current realities.
He expressed NESG’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in updating the document and strengthening water resources management in the country.
He also called for stronger collaboration in water resources management, flood control, and the development of sustainable solutions that will support economic growth and environmental resilience.
He further informed the Minister about the forthcoming Anniversary of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), scheduled to hold in October 2026, and requested the full participation of the Honourable Minister and his team in the landmark event.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s water, sanitation, irrigation, and food security objectives for the benefit of all citizens.
