Environment
NEWSAN Urges Investment For Water And Sanitation services
The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) has called for stronger sustainability measures, institutional reforms and increased private sector participation to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in Nigeria.
The National Coordinator of NEWSAN, Mr Attah Benson, made the call during an advocacy visit to the Sustainable Urban-Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme Office on Friday in Abuja.
Benson said the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, reviewing implementation progress in SURWASH states and identifying areas requiring additional support.
According to him, the programme supports Nigeria’s commitment under the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership to ensure citizens have access to safe and affordable water and sanitation services.
He said the programme, which began in seven states, was already influencing actions and reforms at the federal level.
Benson commended SURWASH for supporting Katsina State’s attainment of open defecation-free (ODF) status, describing it as one of only two ODF states in the country.
He said advocacy visits to project states showed progress in implementation but also revealed gaps in behavioural change interventions, institutional capacity and coordination among implementing partners.
“These engagements provided opportunities to strengthen multi-sectoral coordination at the state level, improve collaboration among partners and enhance programme delivery,” he said.
Benson also called for intensified integrated WASH interventions to tackle neglected tropical diseases prevalent in many states, including SURWASH implementation states.
He urged states lagging behind in ODF attainment to strengthen implementation and sustainability efforts, stressing that more than half of the SDGs depended directly or indirectly on progress in the WASH sector.
The NEWSAN coordinator reiterated the need for stronger private sector participation in the sector, noting that efforts over the years had produced limited results.
“States continue to look to the national level for stronger direction in encouraging private sector investment in the sector,” he said.
Benson reaffirmed NEWSAN’s commitment to providing technical support to stakeholders nationwide despite financial constraints.
Responding, the National Programme Coordinator of SURWASH, Mr Abdulhamid Gwaram, described NEWSAN as a critical partner in implementing the programme across participating states.
Gwaram said SURWASH differed from previous interventions because it combined infrastructure development with measurable service delivery outcomes.
“The challenge is that you cannot test service delivery without infrastructure, and you also cannot justify infrastructure without a proper service delivery system.
“What makes SURWASH different is that it combines infrastructure with service delivery,” he said.
He said the programme was shifting its focus from infrastructure provision alone to sustainability, accountability and long-term functionality of WASH facilities.
“If a state constructs a N10 billion water treatment plant that does not provide reliable water access for the people, then it has failed in terms of service delivery.
“But if a simple hand pump repaired with N10,000 begins to serve 100 people in a community, then meaningful service has been restored,” he said.
Gwaram said the programme had introduced measures to encourage institutions with effective maintenance systems, staffing structures and operational accountability.
He called on state governments to strengthen operational support for water and sanitation agencies through improved logistics, mobility and field monitoring capacity.
On private sector participation, Gwaram said stronger regulation and institutional reforms were necessary to attract investment into the WASH sector.
“At the moment, the private sector will not be interested in operating in a weak environment without proper regulation.
“So, we must strengthen regulations and improve infrastructure to make the WASH sector attractive to investors,” he said.
He added that the programme had introduced a “creditworthiness programme” to improve the financial and managerial capacity of state water agencies and prepare them for long-term investment partnerships.
The Tide source reports that the 700 million dollar World Bank SURWASH programme, inaugurated on Feb. 14, 2022, has a six-yearN implementation period.
The programme is designed to strengthen sector policies and institutions to improve water and sanitation services in urban, small-town and rural communities.
SURWASH is currently being implemented in Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina and Plateau states, while Abia, Bauchi, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ogun, Jigawa and Taraba have recently been added to the programme.
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The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by improving waste management infrastructure, and enforcing public health sanitation standards in the territory.
The Director of AEPB, Mrs Kate Ogbonna, said this at the 2026 FCT World Environment Day Commemoration Symposium on Friday in Abuja.
“As the custodian of the FCT environment, AEPB remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability through effective environmental monitoring, pollution control and waste management amongst others.
“Today, we join millions of people across the globe in commemorating World Environment Day, the United Nations’ foremost platform for promoting environmental awareness and action.
“The theme for this year’s commemoration: Climate Change and Urbanisation – Building Resilient Cities,” is particularly relevant to our rapidly changing world,” Ogbonna said.
She said that while cities remained centres of economic growth, innovation, and human development, they are also increasingly exposed to climate-related challenges such as flooding, pollution and environmental amongst others.
“We engaged 54 waste management service contractors to further strengthened environmental sanitation across the city.
“Ongoing infrastructural development in satellite towns and sub-urban communities is improving connectivity and reducing development pressure on the city centre,” the AEPB director said.
She explained that these interventions aligns closely with the objectives of 2026 theme and demonstrates practical steps towards building resilient and sustainable cities.
She stated that the participation of schools in this annual commemoration remained a vital component of the environmental education efforts.
“By engaging young people in environmental conversations and activities, we are helping to nurture a generation that is better equipped to champion sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” Ogbonna said.
Also speaking, Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, said that climate change was no longer a distant concern and noted that Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, was not insulated from its realities.
“World Environment Day provides an important opportunity for governments, institutions, communities, and citizens to reflect on environmental challenges and recommit themselves to sustainable solutions that will safeguard our common future.
“While urbanisation has brought significant economic opportunities, technological advancement, and improved access to services, it has also placed unprecedented pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and the environment.
“Across the world, cities are experiencing rising temperatures, more frequent flooding, extreme weather events, declining biodiversity, and growing pressure on public infrastructure.
Obuah stated that these impacts threaten livelihoods, public health, economic productivity, and overall quality of life.
“The rapid expansion of residential communities, commercial activities, transportation networks, and supporting infrastructure has increased the demand for land, water, energy, and environmental services.
“At the same time, changing weather patterns have heightened concerns relating to flooding, erosion, and pressure on drainage infrastructure, while rapid urban growth continues to place additional demands on waste management systems and green spaces.
“The choices we make today in urban planning, environmental management, and climate adaptation will not only shape the future of the FCT but can also serve as a model for other cities across the country.”
He urged residents to build cities that are not only economically vibrant and socially inclusive but also environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate-related shocks.
“Resilient cities are cities that can anticipate risks, withstand disruptions, adapt to changing conditions, and recover quickly while maintaining essential services and protecting their citizens.
“The FCT Administration under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, remains committed to creating a modern, functional, and environmentally sustainable capital city.
“Through strategic investments in infrastructure, environmental sanitation, urban planning, drainage improvement, landscape enhancement, and regulatory enforcement, the Administration continues to strengthen Abuja’s capacity to respond to emerging environmental challenges.”
The coordinator assured that AMMC is working through its departments and agencies, AEPB to implement programmes aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life of residents.
He urged the media to educate and mobilise the public adding that communities and residents must adopt environmentally responsible behaviours and actively participate in protecting their surroundings.
“As we deliberate during this symposium, I encourage all participants to engage constructively, share innovative ideas, and explore practical pathways for strengthening climate resilience within the FCT.
“Let this symposium serve as a catalyst for practical actions, stronger partnerships, and innovative solutions towards building a more resilient FCT.
“Together, we can build an Abuja that remains a model capital city for Nigeria, Africa, and the world; a city that balances development with environmental responsibility and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations,”Obuah said.
In a message to the symposium, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, said climate change has brought great harm to the ecosystem.
Guterres who was represented by Mrs Bolanle Elumekor, a Management Assistant at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, said that it was pertinent to fulfill climate financing promises to the developing countries.
Green Planters and Trimmers Union together with students from various secondary schools in Bonny, Rivers State commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day with a call for environmental protection and sustainable living.
The event, held over the weekend at the Auditorium of the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF), featured participation from Bonny National Grammar School (BNGS), Universal Basic Education (UBE), Heaven on Earth Academy, Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), and Finima Bonny Senior Secondary School.
National President, Green Planters and Trimmers Union, Henry Jumbo
Activities at the celebration included an interactive session with students, moderated by the Chairman of the Union, symbolic tree planting by participating schools alongside the union’s executive members, and group photographs with school delegations.
In his keynote address, founder and National President of the Green Planters and Trimmers Union, Henry Jumbo, emphasised the significance of green environments to human survival and development.
He noted that World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5, adding that the union, established in 2020, remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability through awareness and action.
Jumbo stressed that “wherever you see green, it is bounded to fruitfulness,” highlighting the connection between nature and human well-being. He described green plants as vital sources of oxygen, food, and economic resources, while also playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
He however warned against the dangers of deforestation, stating that the indiscriminate cutting down of trees leads to erosion, flooding, landslides, loss of animal habitats, air pollution, and a decline in air quality.
According to him, the depletion of forests also contributes to economic hardship and loss of livelihoods, particularly for communities that depend on natural resources.
The environmental advocate further explained that trees help regulate water flow and prevent natural disasters, noting that the absence of forests increases the risk of flooding, especially in riverine areas like Bonny.
Jumbo urged students and residents to embrace nature and take deliberate steps to protect the environment, including planting trees and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
The event underscored the importance of grassroots sensitisation, with the union encouraging young people to become active participants in environmental conservation.
The Green Planters and Trimmers Union adopted the slogan “Evergreen! Ever Fruitful!!” as a reminder of the continuous need to preserve and sustain the environment for future generations.
World Environment Day, a group, Journalists For Sustainable Development Initiative (JSDI) has called on all and sundry to imbibe the habit of planting trees to combat the effect of climate change on the environment.
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?Executive Director of of the Group, Dr. Parry Saroh Benson gave the charge while adressing journalists on the sideline of a symposium to mark the day, organised in partnership with the Federal University of Environment Technology, Ogoni and the Centre for Climate Change and Forest Resources, Rivers State University, in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
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?He said the impact of climate change is now glaring, hence the need for everyone to double efforts in ensuring trees are planted on a daily basis.
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?”Every man should learn to plant a tree. Planting trees is an exercise that should be done on daily basis because we all are now experiencing the impact of climate change. It has come to stay.
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?”Everybody is complaining there is heat, there is so much sun. In fact, since January up until now, we do not know when it’s rainy season and when it’s dry season here in Rivers state like we used to experience. This is because of climate change, ” he said.
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?Benson appealed to people of Rivers State and South South Region in particular who suffer much from air pollution due to exploration activities to plant trees around their environments.
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?He noted that tree planting would enable the region have clean air to breathe.
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?”We are appealing to everyone here in the South-South; plant a tree every day because tree planting will enable us have clean air. Trees around bring about clean air, ” he appealed.
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?The climate ambassador further urged residents of the region to take activities around their environment seriously saying that whatever affects the environment, affects everyone.
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?”Our message is that we must plant trees, and everyone should be concerned about his environment. This is not the time to act like “I don’t care”, “I don’t know what is happening”. No. We all must know what is happening in our environment because climate change has come to stay, ” he maintain.
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