News
Stakeholders Charge FG On Urban Water Supply
Stakeholders in the national urban water supply and sanitation sector have urged the Federal Government to declare state of emergency on urban water supply and sanitation as a veritable means of revitalising the sector across the country.
They also said they have set strategic agenda that would serve as catalyst in raising the bar in urban water supply and sanitation to ensure easy access to potable drinking water while checking diseases caused by poor sanitation conditions in densely populated centres in the cities.
Rising from a national retreat on “Revitalizing the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector” held in Abuja, recently, the more than 350 stakeholders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development brainstormed on ways to fashion out appropriate solutions that could revitalize urban water supply and sanitation in Nigeria.
Declared open by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who also used the platform to launch the Nigerian WASH Diagnostic Report, the 350 stakeholders included minister of water resources, chairman of Senate Committee on Water Resources and chairman, House Committee on Water Resources, 24 state commissioners for water resources, 32 chairmen of state Houses of Assembly Committees on Water Resources, 29 general managers/managing directors of state water corporations/boards, and 15 representatives of development partners such as World Bank Group, African Development Bank, United States Agency for International Development, and WaterAid as well as 240 other critical players in the water and sanitation sector.
While noting the demand-supply gap in urban water supply resulting from rapid population growth and increasing urbanization, and coupled with the current economic realities, the stakeholders agreed to think out-of-the-box, and come up with practical solutions that will rapidly improve access to pipe borne water and adequate sanitation in urban areas.
Regretting the deplorable state of the nation’s urban water supply and sanitation 17 years after the approval and implementation of the National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy 2000, the stakeholders urged the states to show more commitment as well as explore the possibilities of innovative funding and private sector participation in urban water supply and sanitation, insisting that the sector must be run as a business for sustainability.
In a communiqué at the end of the retreat, and signed by Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Hussaini Adamu, the stakeholders noted that Nigeria’s WASH sector was in critical condition and requires immediate attention; saying that in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in WASH, Nigeria must invest, at least, three times more than the current level of investment in the sector.
They stated that the vicious cycle of poor performance of state water agencies (SWAs) can be reversed through focused investments, financial and administrative autonomy, proper accountability with adequate incentive regime, and institutionalization of performance agreements, regretting that lack of political will had impeded efficiency and effectiveness of the sector.
The stakeholders called for a declaration of state of emergency by Mr. President to enhance the political-will for accelerated development of urban water supply and sanitation while charging all states to develop and or approve water policies and laws aimed at developing strategic master plan for urban water and sanitation infrastructure development driven by sustained investment plan.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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