– WaterAid collaborates with stakeholders to strengthen climate-resilient WASH services in Nigeria
– Conference emphasizes urgent need for resilient infrastructure amid climate challenges
– Federal Ministry of Water Resources and UNICEF to develop climate risk assessment for WASH
WaterAid Nigeria, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to bolster climate resilience within the country’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. This initiative was highlighted during the Second Annual Climate Change Conference held in Abuja, themed “Strengthening Policies and Investments for Climate-Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Services).”
Represented by Kolawole Banwo, Head of Advocacy, Policy, and Communications, WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere, emphasized the detrimental effects of climate-induced challenges—such as flooding, drought, and saline intrusion—on WASH services, public health, and economic growth. She advocated for collaborative efforts to ensure communities, especially vulnerable ones, maintain sustainable access to essential WASH services despite the evolving climate landscape.
Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, underscored Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change, citing threats like air pollution, coastal flooding, and desertification that compromise water quality and availability. He announced a partnership with UNICEF to develop a climate rationale for WASH services in Nigeria, aiming to identify and address various climate risks.
