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WASH Sector Gulps N4.3trn In Nigeria

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2 years ago

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A Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Account Report from 2019-2020 has put the estimated total expenditure for the sector in Nigeria at N 4.3 trillion just as the World Health Organisation (WHO) says 48 million Nigerians practice open defecation.
This was revealed at the just- concluded South Dissemination workshop organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Port Harcourt.
The workshop has as it’s theme,”Strengthening WASH Institutions and Systems through WASH Account Process at Subnational Level”
According to the Report,”from the 2019 -2020 WASH Account Report , the estimated total WASH expenditure in Nigeria for 2019 stood at N4.3 trillion.
It however said the figure dropped to 3.9 trillion naira for the following year.
“On closer scrutiny, the estimated Government expenditure component for 2019 was 162 billion naira, dropping to 145 billion naira by 2020, representing 3.7 percent total WASH expenditure for both 2019, and 2020”
The Director, Water Quality Control And Sanitation Federal Ministry of Water Resources And Sanitation Mrs E A ugoh who reads the report during the workshop said  the situation shows that all tiers of Government in the country need to improve on investment and strengthen systems for the collection of and analysis of financial information for more effective WASH sector planning and decision making
She said the “workshop was one of the identified mechanisms to enable stakeholders deliberate on the challenges facing financing of the sector and recommend effective measures for tackling them if we are to meet the desired objectives inline with our national and international obligations
According to Ugoh”this Dissemination meeting is expected to among other things review the key findings of the 2019 and 2020 WASH Account Report, the methodologies used in developing the report and suggest ways for improving on the subsequent cycles
“I am therefore hopeful that the participants at this Dissemination Workshop will freely share their knowledge and experiences to enrich the deliberations so that we can collectively contribute to effecting the desired improvements that furthers the realization of our objectives for the sector”, she said
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO )says 48 million Nigerians are still practicing Open defecation.
A consultant, public health and Environment World Health Organization Dr Edwin Isotu Ede also said only 70 percent of the population have access to basic drinking water services.
Ede attributed  this to low investment by Governments in the WASH sector.
“We have gaps,we have 48 million Nigerians who practice open defecation and only 70 percent of the population have access to basic drinking water services
“So now what are the key gaps around all of these is that the amount of money we spent or we invest in as a government or as a people into water hygiene and sanitation is very low
“You talk about 0.23 percent of our GDP.So the more investment, the more the rewards and if you look at most of the these investment, most of these investment are actually coming from out of pocket expenditure from various households
“So an average Nigerian spent about N19,500 on WASH”, he said.
General Manager Rivers state Rural Water Supply And sanitation agency RUWASSA Mr Napoleon Adah said the workshop will equipped participants with the necessary information to educate and sensitize the Authorities on the need for more investment in the sector.

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NPA Vows To Sustain Sanity On Port Access Roads  ……Deploys ETO To Enhance Truck Movement 

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7 days ago

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November 3, 2025

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The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated it’s commitment to preventing a return to the severe Apapa gridlock that previously plaqued the Lagos ports access roads.
It said the electronic truck call- up system ( ETO) has been recently reviewed and enhanced to integrate terminal gates directly with the ETO platform.
Speaking in reaction to media reports on the resurgence of gridlock on port access roads, Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, said the NPA, in line with its mandate to ensure the smooth operation of port activities and the free flow of traffic around the Apapa Port Complex corridor, remained fully committed to maintaining order and preventing any reoccurrence of the gridlock previously experienced along the access roads.
“We have recently undertaken a review and enhancement of the ETO system, which now integrates Terminal Gates directly with the ETO platform.
“This integration is designed to provide a structured sequencing of truck movements, both inbound and outbound within the Apapa Port Complex.
“The objective of this initiative is to ensure transparency, improve traffic efficiency, and maintain a sustainable operating environment around the ports.
“However, the success of this system depends largely on the cooperation and compliance of all Stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Transport Unions, Drivers, Clearing Agents, and Government Agencies (Both Federal and State).
“Sequencing truck entry and exit is not rocket science. With sincerity of purpose and commitment from all concerned, we can achieve and maintain orderliness and prevent a return to the chaotic conditions of the past.
“It is in our best interest, because smooth Ingress and Egress of Trucks will, in the long run, bring about high turnover for all stakeholders,” he stated.
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DANTSOHO Calls For Synergy In Revamping Nation’s Ports

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7 days ago

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November 3, 2025

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The Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority(NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for synergy in revamping the nation’s ports.
Dantsoho made the call shortly after the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He insisted that without collaboration amongst major actors little or nothing would be achieved in revamping the ports
“Until there is collaboration and partnership you cannot achieve efficiency at the ports”, he said.
Dantsoho highlighted steps taken by the Ports Authority to address bottlenecks faced by importers and exporters at the nation’s ports.
The MD said the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee established by the NPA is recording huge successes through the joint inspection and boarding by relevant agencies operating in the area.
He identified adoption of technology, improvement in infrastructure, human capacity building, equipment and tools, as areas that could be improved to enhance port efficiency.
This, according to him, would ensure that Nigeria remains competitive and relevant in the sub-region, continent and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Director –  General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Audu, called for collective resolve among stakeholders to improve port operations, making cargo clearance faster and more efficient.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee, Audi however, decried the losses incurred as a result of the inefficiency at the nation’s ports,
Audu described the committee as a platform that represents not only interagency collaboration but a shared commitment to making Nigeria’s ports globally competitive, transparent, and efficient.
By: Chinedu Wosu
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Customs To Partner NAPTIP On Human Trafficking Menace 

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7 days ago

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November 3, 2025

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The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) said it will collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.
The Comptroller General Cust oms, Adewale Adeniyi stated this while playing host to the Courtesy Visit by a delegation from NAPTIP, in his office, in Abuja.
He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, as the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications.
Adeniyi said “We believe in the power of collaboration,We can achieve more with less when we work together.”
The Comptroller General revealed that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assured the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.
He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.
“We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally”
” We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security”, he stated.
Adeniyi commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.
Earlier, the Director General, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service.
She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.
In her words, “I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect as partnership with Customs is essential for our work”
She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.
Also Speaking former Director with NIMASA; Hajia Lami Tumaka, said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.
Tumaka described Customs as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,” adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.
“Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable”, she said.
By: Chinedu Wosu
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