The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNICEF to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across Nigeria, with a renewed focus on sustainability and climate resilience.

This was highlighted when the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, received the newly appointed Chief of WASH, UNICEF Nigeria, Engr. Ms. Emily Rand, and UNICEF WASH Manager, Ms. Jolly Ann Maulit, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.

A statement by the ministry on Friday said the meeting underscored a shared resolve to deepen partnerships aimed at advancing sustainable and inclusive WASH services, in line with Nigeria’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in improving public health and water resource management.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister commended UNICEF for its longstanding support and impactful interventions in Nigeria’s WASH sector, noting that collaboration remains critical to addressing existing challenges.

He identified sustainability as a key concern, stressing the need for coordinated strategies to ensure long-term success of programmes.

Utsev disclosed that the Permanent Secretary would work closely with the Ministry’s technical directors to harmonize ongoing initiatives, identify gaps, and define priority areas requiring UNICEF’s intervention.

He further emphasized a shift toward a more proactive engagement model, stating that the Ministry would intensify direct collaboration with UNICEF through regular interactions to enhance programme design, implementation, and sustainability.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to build a results-driven partnership capable of delivering measurable improvements in water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services nationwide.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary described UNICEF as a reliable partner with a strong legacy of support in Nigeria’s WASH sector. She expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration with the new leadership to align strategies and enhance ongoing programmes.

Responding, the UNICEF WASH Chief reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through impact-driven programmes, noting that initiatives demonstrating measurable results would continue to attract funding.

She also highlighted opportunities to leverage climate financing to expand WASH access, particularly for children.

Similarly, UNICEF WASH Manager, Ms. Jolly Ann Maulit, stated that many of the Ministry’s priorities are already embedded in UNICEF’s operational plans, including water quality monitoring, WASH data systems, technical support, and public-private partnership frameworks.

She emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen sustainability initiatives, scale climate-resilient approaches, and enhance data-driven planning, while also supporting Open Defecation Free (ODF) programmes across the country.

The meeting also featured presentations from relevant departments and agencies within the Ministry, outlining key achievements, ongoing projects, and priority areas requiring further technical collaboration with UNICEF.