NIGER VALIDATES SURWASH INVESTMENT PLANS
Niger State Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Services has commenced the validation of the WASH Baseline Data, LGA-Wide Investment Plans and Environmental and Social Risk Management Policies under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.
The three-day workshop, held at Princess Azzahara Hotel, Minna, brought together key stakeholders to strengthen evidence-based planning and improve water, sanitation and hygiene services across the State.
The Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources and Irrigation Services, Engr. Farouk Umar Audi, who was represented at the opening ceremony by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Akilu Musa Kuta emphasised that credible baseline data and LGA-wide investment plans are essential for understanding existing conditions, identifying service gaps, setting priorities and measuring progress, stressing that WASH planning must be guided by reliable evidence rather than assumptions.
The Commissioner further noted that access to safe water and adequate sanitation is closely linked to public health, education, productivity, dignity and the overall wellbeing of citizens.
Presenting the project background, the Consultant Team Leader, Engr. Hassan Mohammed Ibrahim, explained the rationale and objectives of the exercise and the importance of reliable baseline information in guiding sustainable WASH investments.
The workshop also featured goodwill messages from the Chairman, Niger State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources and member representing Katcha Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulmalik Bala Yakubu, and the Executive Secretary, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Jinandu Innuwa, who commended the initiative and stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing water and public health challenges.
Representatives from the Ministry of Information, Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA), Ministry of Education, NGOs and development partners also delivered goodwill messages, expressing support for the validation exercise.
The workshop subsequently moved into technical sessions, including presentations on the WASH Baseline Reports, discussions, review and validation of the Draft Baseline Reports, with participants providing observations and technical inputs to strengthen the accuracy and relevance of the findings.
The SURWASH Programme, supported by the World Bank and being implemented across 17 participating states in Nigeria, is expected to provide a stronger foundation for investment decisions, programme implementation and improved WASH service delivery across Niger State.
About The Author
