Connect with us

Business

WaterAid Sues For BetterWASH Funding

Published

12 years ago

on

Due to the recurrent
expression of inadequate funds, WaterAid Nigeria, an international NGO, has advocated for goodwill funds to augment budgetary allocation and donor funds for the water sector.
WaterAid Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Michael Ojo, made the call in an interview with newsmen  recently.
While noting that development partners’ contribution can never supersede government’s funding to meet the yearning needs of Nigerians, Ojo urged well-meaning Nigerians to prioritise water and sanitation in their agenda.
He said that government funding of the water sanitation and hygiene was grossly inadequate, and called for increased financial resources to the sector ,due to its crucial role in development.
“Nigeria is fantastically rich and the work that we do as WaterAid, actually takes money from donors, many of who are ordinary people in many parts of the world.
“They feel so strongly about the issue that they have prepared to keep some money aside every month to fund the work that we do in Africa, in South Asia, in the Pacific region.
“We are appealing to Nigerians that they should begin to solve the problems of Nigeria.
“There is enough money within the system; there are resources within the system, if only we would apply the same amount of political will and personal will to dealing with the issue”.
The Tide reports that stakeholders in the WASH sector have repeatedly complained of inadequate funding of the sector, saying that it has led to a large number of dilapidated and abandoned projects.
A 2012 survey carried out by the Federal Government showed that the water sector had the highest number of uncompleted, abandoned and non-functional facilities.
These projects include 14,000 dysfunctional hand pump boreholes, 377 water supply projects and 52 irrigation and drainage projects.
Meanwhile, both state and Federal Governments have been advised to pool funds to harness the potential of 41 dams in the North East and South East zones.
However, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, in collaboration with Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, an NGO, rehabilitated 1,000 boreholes in 18 states in 2011.
They had agreed that with proper funding, at least 5,000 boreholes would be rehabilitated yearly, but our source learnt that this has not been achieved.
Meanwhile,  the Executive Secretary of Water and Sanitation in Africa, Mr Idrissa Doucoure,  has said that $45 billion  must be invested annually for the continent to meet its drinking water needs.
Doucoure said this at the recently-ended International Forum on Infrastructure in Africa held in Brazzaville, Congo.
He expressed concern that African governments did not give drinking water infrastructure the same attention as they did for transport, sports and telecommunication.
He stressed the need to explore other areas, including public-private-partnership, to source the “massive” capital needed to develop infrastructure in Africa.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Business

NIMASA Marks 2025 Customer Week, Pledges Service Excellence 

Published

2 weeks ago

on

October 13, 2025

By

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has officially launched its 2025 Customer Service Week celebrations under the inspiring global theme, “Mission: Possible.”
The Agency is leveraging this annual celebration to reaffirm its commitment to transforming customer challenges into opportunities and consistently delivering exceptional service to grow the Nigerian Maritime sector.
In his remarks, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that effective service delivery remains central to the Agency’s mandate, stressing that excellence must begin internally before extending to external stakeholders.
“Providing service is paramount, both internally and externally. We must remain prepared, committed, and available to solve problems together as a team. Excellence in service delivery defines who we are and what we represent,” . Mobereola stated.
He highlighted teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement as essential drivers of institutional growth and public confidence.
The Head, SERVICOM Unit, Hajiya Rakiyyah Lammai, appreciated the Director General for his continued support in strengthening customer service structures within NIMASA.
She noted that this year’s theme aptly reflects the dedication and resilience of the Agency’s staff in upholding service quality.
The 2025 Customer Service Week was commemorated across NIMASA offices nationwide with recognition programmes, engagement activities, and customer feedback sessions aimed at promoting a culture of responsiveness and efficiency.
As NIMASA continues to promote safety, security, and sustainability within Nigeria’s maritime domain, the 2025 Customer Service Week reinforces that service excellence remains the cornerstone of effective public service.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
Continue Reading

Business

SEME Customs Foils Smuggling Attempt Of Expired Flour, Seizes N2bn  Contraband 

Published

2 weeks ago

on

October 13, 2025

By

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour valued at N1.2billion.
The Command Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, who disclosed this during his Maiden Press Briefing, at the Seme Krake border, last Thursday, said the consignment, which originated from Egypt and came through the Benin Republic border, was seized in a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, the interception was achieved through credible intelligence shared by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the NAFDAC Director General, Moji Adeyeye.
Displaying the seized goods, Adenuga said the flour, produced in March 2024, had expired in November, 2024, posing serious public health risk.
He said, “If these things find their way into the country, they change the bag, and it goes into the markets… the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.
“Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.”
Speaking on the command’s revenue performance and strides in trade facilitation, Adenuga said a total of N1.5billion was generated in the month of September 2025 alone.
The figure, he said represent an exceptional increase of over 182% compared to the N531.4million generated in August 2025, the month before his assumption of duty.
“This outstanding performance
reflects the effectiveness of the Comptroller General’s reform agenda, which emphasizes compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods, as well as dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service,” he said.
Adenuga said the command guided by the Comptroller General of Customs commitment to transparency and modernization has intensified effort to simplify procedures and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
“Upon assumption of duty, and in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, I declared trade facilitation as the hallmark of our administration. We believe that when trade is facilitated, processes are streamlined, costs are reduced and more revenue is generated, ” he said.
Beyond the expired flour, Adenuga also showcased other contraband goods seized by the command within the month of September.
The items include 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa, 98 parcels of 120mg Tramadol, with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA, 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 150 bales of second-hand clothing and 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine and five used vehicles with a total Duty Paid Value at N1,999billion.
“Under the guidance of the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health and economic stability.
“Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs, ” Adenuga said.
The Customs boss also commended the Nigerian Navy, particularly the Forward Operating Base ( FOB) in Badagry for its support in the fight against smuggling, and handing over seized foreign parboiled rice intercepted on the waterways.
“We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity not criminality.
“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint, ” he said.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
Continue Reading

Business

LASG UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING OMI-EKO PROJECT AT FIVE COWRIES TERMINAL 

Published

2 weeks ago

on

October 13, 2025

By

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), will officially launch the Omi Eko Project on Friday, 17th October 2025, at Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo.
The unveiling, to be performed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would feature key speakers and virtual project presentation.
According to a Statement, the event highlights the state’s dedication to advancing sustainable water transportation and smart city solutions.
 The project aims to transform Lagos’s water transit with over 78 electric ferries, digital systems, and enhanced safety features, reducing commute times and promoting eco-friendly travel.
“The Omi Eko Project is poised to revolutionize Lagos’s water transportation landscape by integrating innovative technology, strengthening terminal infrastructure, and championing environmental sustainability..
“With the deployment of over 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and safety innovations, the project will significantly reduce commute times and establish a reliable, modern transportation option for millions.”the statement added.
The Five Cowries Terminal, a key transport hub, underscores the integration of land and water mobility in Lagos’s Urban Mobility Plan.e Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, for the maiden summit of JustAlive Communications Limited, publishers of JustNet News to discuss infrastructural development trends in the sector.
By: By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
Continue Reading

Trending