Nigerian Government, UNESCO To Partner In Flood Control, WASH Services

The Nigerian government and UNESCO have signed a partnership agreement to collaborate effectively to enhance flood control measures and provide superior water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

Prof.Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, committed to Abuja, when the UNESCO’s Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Abdourahammanne Diallo and members of UNESCO entities, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Utsev, urged UNESCO to collaborate with Nigeria in the area of flood management, adding that flooding comes with hazards that negatively impact both the people and the economy.

He added that UNESCO’s package for Nigeria and Africa is fundamental in the areas of flood management, water supply, water quality components, irrigation, and hydrology, among others.

The minister emphasised the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between the Ministry and UNESCO to advance groundwater management.

He revealed that the Clean Nigeria Campaign Initiative of the Federal Government, which aims to achieve the ambitious goal of making the country Open Defecation-Free(ODF) by 2025, is an ongoing national campaign.

He assured that the Ministry would collaborate with UNESCO to propagate the campaign, build more toilets, and increase sensitisation among the populace.

While highlighting the critical nature of water conservation, Utsev called for increased collaboration between the Ministry and UNESCO in preparation for the upcoming World Water Day, slated for March 22.

In his remarks, Mr Abdourahammanne Diallo, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, emphasised the crucial role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in the nation’s well-being.

He congratulated Nigeria on her progress within the UNESCO Intergovernmental Programmes and assured ongoing support from UNESCO to assist the Ministry in achieving its mandate in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.