UN pledges more support to water sector

Eliasson said, “My visit confirmed the great strides that the government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, is making towards ensuring access to clean water and adequate sanitation in the country. I commend your dedication as Minister of Water Resources, and reaffirm the continued support of the United Nations in your work.”This […]

Eliasson said, “My visit confirmed the great strides that the government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, is making towards ensuring access to clean water and adequate sanitation in the country. I commend your dedication as Minister of Water Resources, and reaffirm the continued support of the United Nations in your work.”
This was contained in his commendation letter to the Nigerian government through the ministry of water resources, on its efforts in making water available for multipurpose uses of its citizenry.
“Nigeria continues to demonstrate its pivotal role for both the development and security agendas in Africa. The Secretary- General and I look forward to continuing our dialogue with you and your government as we work together to achieve our common objectives,” he added.
However, during the visit of the UN Deputy Secretary General to Nigeria, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, informed him that access to potable water in Nigeria was put at 71% and sanitation at 41%. She also told the visiting envoy that the sum of 2.5 billion US Dollars was needed for Nigeria to meet up with the MDGs target on water and sanitation. She therefore sought for UN assistance and cooperation in addressing the sector.
The letter was therefore a response to the discussion and findings of the UN team during their visit to Nigeria.