The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has reaffirmed its commitment to working with civil society organisations (CSOs) to improve access to water, sanitation, and basic urban infrastructure across Nigeria.
Minister Ahmed Dangiwa made the commitment while receiving members of the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), led by National Coordinator Attah Benson, during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday.
Dangiwa said the ministry aims to integrate urban development with essential services such as water, sanitation, drainage, and other basic infrastructure to create sustainable communities. He noted that NEWSAN’s focus aligns with the ministry’s mandate, particularly in urban renewal, slum upgrading, and provision of basic services.
The ministry is implementing the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme to improve living conditions in underserved communities, including interventions like solar-powered street lighting, drainage systems, access roads, water supply, and sanitation facilities.
Dangiwa highlighted the importance of data-driven planning and confirmed the ministry’s representation on the National Task Group on Sanitation. He noted that over 60% of constituency-driven interventions focus on water and sanitation, with more than 150 communities benefiting in the past two years.
NEWSAN’s Benson said the network represents over 300 CSOs advocating for improved WASH services, eliminating open defecation, and promoting hygiene practices. He stressed the need for stronger government leadership to accelerate Open Defecation Free (ODF) declarations nationwide and integrate WASH financing into housing and infrastructure projects.
Current data indicate that 33% of Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water, and 44% do not have basic sanitation facilities, contributing to high preventable disease rates, under-five mortality, and economic losses estimated at 1.3% of GDP annually.
