FG declares state of emergency in water, sanitation, hygiene

By Mohammed Usman

The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency in the Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the water ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. KenechukwuOffie, the declaration of the emergency came following the memorandum approved by the Federal Executive Council on the National WASH Action plan.
In his statement, according to the press release, the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu, noted that the WASH sector is currently in crisis situation and requires urgent action for its revitalization.
It further added that Engr. Adamu then commended the Federal Government for providing the leadership and the necessary political will at the highest level by declaring state of emergency in the WASH Sector.
Parts of the statement read; “Speaking further, the Minister said that the ministry has made significant efforts through National retreats with critical stakeholders from the federal, state governments, legislators and development partners that resulted in the development of a National WASH Action Plan.
“The Action Plan, according to the Minister, will set out a 13-year revitalization strategy for WASH sector including 18 months emergency phase and 5 years recovery plan. He also added that the Action plan will provide for concrete actions to be taken by both Federal and State Governments under five components comprising governance, sustainability, funding, financing and monitoring and evaluation.
“In addition, the Action Plan includes the establishment of a National WASH Fund as a tool for the promotion of renewed Federal-State partnership and increased financial investment for WASH so as to measure up to regional level of funding.
“He said the National WASH Action Plan will change the worrisome situation and reverse the ugly trend while the declaration of state of emergency on the sector will change the narrative.
Following this national declaration, States and Local Governments are expected to follow suit, through increasing their political and financial commitment to the WASH Sector.