The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has emphasised the importance of sustained political commitment in advancing water security and ensuring widespread access to sanitation across Africa.
Utsev made this known while receiving a delegation from the African Union Commission and the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), aimed at strengthening regional collaboration on water and sanitation.
The delegation was led by Mr Nyambe Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union Commission, alongside Mr Nelson Gomonda, Officer-in-Charge of the AMCOW Secretariat.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the minister described water and sanitation as vital to public health, economic development, climate resilience, and regional integration.
He referenced the African Union’s 2026 theme, which focuses on ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems as part of Agenda 2063.
According to him, prioritising these areas is essential for achieving broader development goals on the continent.
Utsev warned that without reliable water systems, efforts toward food security, industrial growth, and climate adaptation would face significant setbacks.
He also announced that Nigeria would host the 2026 West Africa Subregional Meeting from April 21 to April 23 in Abuja.
The meeting, he said, would bring together member states and key stakeholders to develop an implementation plan for Africa’s water agenda covering 2026 to 2033.
He explained that the plan would focus on impactful projects designed to deliver quick results, attract funding, and strengthen cooperation among countries.
Speaking earlier, Nyambe commended Nigeria for hosting the AMCOW Secretariat since 2002 and for its continued leadership in shaping water governance across the continent.
He noted that AMCOW has played a central role in driving policy direction, including the development of the Africa Water Vision 2063.
Nyambe also praised Utsev’s efforts in elevating water and sanitation as critical components of Africa’s development strategy.
He added that the upcoming implementation plan would prioritise key initiatives aimed at accelerating progress toward a water-secure and sanitation-resilient Africa.
The African Ministers’ Council on Water continues to provide policy guidance and leadership, working closely with the African Union Commission to support member states in improving governance, mobilising investments, and promoting sustainable water management.
The engagement is expected to enhance regional coordination as Africa intensifies efforts to close gaps in water supply and sanitation services.
Members of the delegation also included Mr Bala Tuham, Lead for Corporate Services; Ms Comfort Kanshio, Policy Officer for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; and Jonathan Kampala, Adviser on the Blue Africa Action Initiative.
Utsev reaffirmed that stronger collaboration and consistent political support would be essential in achieving lasting solutions and improving access for millions across the continent.