National WASH Policy Overhaul: WaterAid Nigeria Pushes for Climate-Resilient Measures at Federal and State Levels

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

WaterAid Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to support the development of WASH policies with stronger climate-resilient measures at the national and state levels.

This was made known by the Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, in her welcome welcome at the 2nd Annual Conference on WASH in Climate Change held in Abuja.

Mere was represented by the head of advocacy, policy, and communications. Kolawole Banwo explained that the conference is aimed at addressing the impact of climate change on water resources and sanitation services.

She highlighted the urgency of strengthening policies and investments for climate-resilient WASH services.

She discussed the increasing frequency of natural disasters like flooding and droughts due to climate change.

She emphasized the vulnerability of WASH infrastructures and the millions of people dependent on them.

According to her, in the 2021 Water, sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping survey (WASHNORM), only 67% of Nigerians have access to basic water supply services, which leaves up to 44 million people without basic access.

She stated that access to basic sanitation remains even lower at 46%, with floods, droughts, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events becoming more frequent.

Mere added that WASH infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable—and so are the millions of people who rely on them daily.

“ At WaterAid Nigeria, our commitment is clearly in line with our country program strategy 2023-2028. We are already supporting the development of the WASH Policy to integrate stronger climate resilience measures at the national level and in Bauchi State.

“We had supported Lagos State in the development of her WASH Policy, which has robust climate change components. We are piloting nature-based and solar-powered solutions in our focal states. We are strengthening the capacity of WASH actors at the federal, state, and local levels.

“We are also undertaking climate vulnerability assessments in our focal communities in Bauchi State and studies to establish the impacts of climate change on coastal communities in Lagos State,” she stated.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah while declaring the conference open called on all stakeholders to explore existing WASH and investment policies in the face of climate change, identify gaps, and strengthen policies for economic development.

He emphasized the need for collaboration and commitment from all relevant sectors, including government, civil society, the private sector, and communities.

He stressed the importance of collective actions in creating a sustainable future with access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene.

The PS highlighted the critical role of strong and effective policies in directing investments towards climate-resilient WASH services.