Federal Government Launches Gender Inclusive Water and Sanitation Programs Across Nigeria

In a powerful statement during the 2026 World Water Day celebrations, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation underscored its dedication to ensuring safe water and sanitation for all, with a focus on gender equality.

The event, held in Abuja, highlighted the critical role that inclusive water systems play in promoting sustainable development and economic growth.

World Water Day 2026 Shines a Light on Water and Gender

March 22nd marked World Water Day 2026, a global initiative that draws attention to freshwater conservation and sustainable water management.

This year’s theme, “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasized the connection between water access and empowering women and girls.

Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, stressed that access to clean water and proper sanitation enhances health, education, and economic opportunities for women.

He highlighted how sustainable water infrastructure can reduce unpaid care work, improve school attendance for girls, and boost maternal and child health outcomes.

Major Achievements in Water Supply and Sanitation

The Ministry has made significant strides in improving water and sanitation access nationwide. According to Prof. Utsev:

• Over 6,700 water schemes have been constructed or rehabilitated, providing safe drinking water to more than 32 million Nigerians.
• Initiatives like solar-powered boreholes and reticulation systems are targeting underserved communities.
• In sanitation, the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign has resulted in more than 5,200 public sanitation facilities and certification of 162 Local Government Areas as open defecation free.

Partnerships Driving Gender-Inclusive WASH Programs

The Ministry’s work is supported by international partners including UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Bank.

Programs like SURWASH and PEWASH are providing sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

These initiatives also focus on strengthening governance, accountability, and gender inclusion in water management.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Solana Foundation Launches Developer Platform To Simplify Blockchain Adoption For Enterprises Globally

Survivor confronts Huw Edwards crimes in Channel 5 drama in London

Trump administration offers 15 point ceasefire plan to Iran amid escalating Middle East tensions

Maryland State Troopers Taylor Hersh and Jonathan Stoltzfus rush across Lusby street and perform life saving rescue on choking baby in dramatic roadside emergency

Prof. Utsev highlighted that ongoing irrigation and water infrastructure projects not only improve food security but also empower women economically.

He stressed the importance of female participation in decision-making and the use of sex-disaggregated data for planning and policy formulation.

Voices From the Event

Dr. Emanso Umobong, represented by Dr. Shola Adebiyi Tajudeen, emphasized that inadequate water and sanitation disproportionately affect women and girls, limiting their social and economic opportunities.

UNICEF WASH Manager, Mr. Chiranjibi Tiwari, referred to Nigeria’s water crisis as a gender crisis, urging stronger policies that are sensitive to gender and informed by data.

UNESCO’s Dr. Enang Momah presented the World Water Development Report and contributed to discussions on sustainable water strategies.

Highlights also included a sensitization campaign at Lugbe Car Wash, Abuja, where students showcased hygiene presentations, participated in a video competition, and received menstrual hygiene kits.

Impact and Consequences

Expanding gender-inclusive water access has far-reaching effects.

Women and girls gain more time for education and economic activities when they are not burdened with long water-fetching trips.

Improved sanitation directly reduces health risks, enhances dignity, and strengthens communities.

Failing to integrate gender considerations, on the other hand, perpetuates inequality, limits economic growth, and undermines public health initiatives.

What’s Next?

Looking forward, the Ministry identified several priorities to achieve universal water and sanitation access by 2030:

• Sustained investment in water and sanitation infrastructure
• Enhanced collaboration across federal, state, and local governments
• Stronger political will to implement inclusive policies
• Continued use of gender-focused data to guide interventions

Prof. Utsev concluded with a call to action: “Water must become a tool for equality, empowerment, and sustainable development.”

Summary

Nigeria is intensifying efforts to provide safe, gender-inclusive water and sanitation.

Through collaborations with international partners and nationwide programs, millions now have better access to clean water and hygiene facilities.

The focus on women and girls is central to leveraging water access for broader social and economic development.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Nigeria celebrates World Water Day 2026 with a focus on water and gender equality
• Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has rehabilitated 6,700+ water schemes serving 32 million Nigerians
• 5,200+ public sanitation facilities constructed and 162 LGAs certified open defecation free
• Programs like SURWASH and PEWASH strengthen governance and gender inclusion in 17 states and FCT
• Solar-powered boreholes and irrigation projects target underserved communities and empower women economically
• Gender-sensitive data is emphasized for planning and policy formulation
• Sensitization campaigns and educational initiatives engage communities in hygiene and menstrual health awareness
• Federal government commits to universal water and sanitation access by 2030 through sustained investment and collaboration