From Rashidat Suleiman ,Minna
The Niger State Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Services has commenced the validation of the WASH Baseline Data, LGA-Wide Investment Plans and Environmental and Social Risk Management Policies under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.
The three day validation workshop, held at Princess Azzahara Hotel, Minna on wedneday, brought together key stakeholders to review existing data, identify service gaps and strengthen evidence based planning for improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services across the state.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Irrigation Services, Engr. Farouk Umar Audi, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Akilu Musa Kuta, emphasised the importance of credible baseline data and LGA-wide investment plans in understanding existing WASH conditions, identifying gaps, setting priorities and measuring progress.
The Commissioner stressed that WASH planning must be guided by reliable evidence rather than assumptions, noting that access to safe water and adequate sanitation is closely linked to public health, education, productivity, dignity and the overall wellbeing of citizens.
Presenting the background and objectives of the exercise, the Consultant Team Leader, Engr. Hassan Mohammed Ibrahim, explained that reliable baseline information was critical to guiding sustainable WASH investments and ensuring that interventions addressed the actual needs of communities.
The workshop featured goodwill messages from the Chairman, Niger State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources and member representing Katcha Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulmalik Bala Yakubu, and the Executive Secretary, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Jinandu Innuwa. Both speakers commended the initiative and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address water, sanitation and public health challenges.
Representatives of the Ministry of Information, Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA), Ministry of Education, NGOs and development partners also expressed support for the validation exercise and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in improving WASH services.
The workshop proceeded with technical sessions, including presentations on the WASH Baseline Reports, group discussions, review and validation of the draft reports. Participants provided observations and technical inputs aimed at improving the accuracy, quality and relevance of the findings.
The SURWASH Programme, supported by the World Bank and implemented across 17 participating states in Nigeria, is expected to provide a stronger basis for investment decisions, programme implementation and improved water, sanitation and hygiene service delivery in Niger State.