Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Declares Open The 2025 National WASH Systems Learning Forum

The Minister reaffirms Nigeria's Commitment To Achieving Universal Access To Safely Managed Climate-Resilient WASH Services In Line With SDG 6.

Nigeria's Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has reaffirmed the country's commitment to achieving universal access to safely managed, climate-resilient WASH services in line with SDG 6.

The Minister stated this when he declared open the 2025 National WASH Systems Learning Forum in Abuja.

In his keynote addresss, the Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, noted that the Forum, themed, “Change Mechanisms and Measuring Change,” comes at a pivotal time shortly after Nigeria hosted the Maiden National Sanitation Conference. 

Prof. Utsev highlighted significant achievements, including the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in two States and 158 LGAs, as well as the development of climate-resilient WASH design standards. 

He stressed that sustaining these gains requires deeper systemic reforms built on strong institutions, adequate financing, innovation, accountability, and robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems.

He also raised key sector concerns such as unreliable data, incomplete operationalization of the WASH Information Management System (WASHIMS), and gaps created by the non-routine conduct of WASHNORM since 2021. He called on stakeholders to use the Forum as a platform to address these gaps and explore transformative strategies for strengthening national and sub-national systems.

According to him, “Change does not happen by chance, It is the result of deliberate design, collective action, and mutual accountability.”

Delivering the opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah, represented by the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, welcomed delegates from across Nigeria and beyond, emphasizing the need to translate the resolutions of the recent National Sanitation Conference into measurable frameworks, smarter financing, enforceable regulations, and stronger monitoring systems across all levels of government. 


This is as he also urged participants to collaborate closely and bring their expertise to bear to ensure that no community is left behind in accessing safe sanitation, proper hygiene, and potable water.

Representing Self Help Africa, Country Director Mrs. Joy Aderele underscored the importance of partnership-driven change, highlighting the success of the WASH Systems for Health Programme in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, while noting that strengthened systems and enhanced capacities are supporting long-term community resilience.

“Real change does not happen in isolation, It happens when people come together with shared purpose and commitment. Together, we have the power to shape a future where safe water and sanitation are everyday realities for all.” She stated 

While celebrating progress, Mrs. Aderele acknowledged that significant work remains and encouraged delegates to exchange insights, confront challenges boldly, and work together to build stronger, more resilient systems for generations to come.

In addition to the keynote address, goodwill messages were delivered by the Director of Water Supply, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation; representatives of WaterAid; NEWSAN; and the Minister of Water Resources of Sierra Leone. Further insights into the objectives and expectations of the Forum were presented by the FCDO, the Consortium Manager, and the WASH Facility, each underscoring the importance of data-driven action, collaboration, and systems strengthening for sector transformation.







In attendance were also Ambassador, Engr. Ebele Okeke; and other eminent Water Resources Stakeholders and representatives from the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone. 

The Forum was organized in collaboration with Self Help Africa, IRC WASH, and the FCDO, with support from UNICEF, the World Bank, WaterAid, and other development partners. 

The Forum is a strategic gathering aimed at strengthening mechanisms for sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery across Nigeria, and expected to facilitate experience-sharing, peer learning, and cross-country exchange, particularly between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

Prof. Utsev officially declared the Forum open, expressing confidence that its outcomes will guide policy, strengthen coordination, and advance Nigeria’s drive towards sustainable and inclusive WASH services for all.

This is contained in a Press Statement signed by Funmi Imuetinyan, Director Information and PR of the Ministry. 




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