FG, AU move to enhance access to safe water in Africa

Nigeria and the African Union Commission have intensified efforts to accelerate access to safe water and sanitation across the continent, following a high-level engagement with the African Ministers’ Council on Water in Abuja.

According to a statement on Wednesday by Officer-in-charge of AMCOW at the AU secretariat, Nelson Gomonda, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, received the delegation of the AU led by Harsen Nyambe, Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union Commission, and Nelson Gomonda, Officer-in-Charge of the AMCOW Secretariat, alongside other senior officials in his office in Abuja.

Other members of the delegation included Bala Tuham, Lead for Corporate Services; Comfort Kanshio, Policy Officer for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; and Jonathan Kampata, Adviser under the Blue Africa Action initiative, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and implemented by GIZ, according to a statement by the commission on Wednesday.

Welcoming the delegation, the minister underscored the importance of the visit in strengthening continental collaboration on water governance and policy implementation

We are honoured to receive this high-level delegation from the African Union Commission and AMCOW. Your presence underscores the shared commitment to advancing water security and sanitation across Africa,” Utsev said.

He described the engagement as timely, given ongoing efforts to operationalise continental frameworks aimed at closing Africa’s water access gaps.

“This visit is a clear demonstration of the strong partnership between Nigeria, the African Union, and AMCOW in driving forward a unified water and sanitation agenda for the continent,” he added.

Utsev stressed that sustained political will remains critical to achieving meaningful progress, noting that water and sanitation are central to multiple sectors.

“Water security is central to Africa’s transformation. Without safe water and sanitation, we cannot achieve food security, industrialisation, or climate resilience,” he said.

Highlighting policy direction, the minister pointed to the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year — “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems” — as a major step in elevating the sector within Agenda 2063.

“The elevation of water and sanitation as the AU Theme of the Year reflects a growing recognition that these are not standalone issues but foundational pillars for Africa’s development,” he noted.

“Nigeria stands ready to provide leadership in convening member states and partners to develop an actionable implementation plan that will deliver tangible results for our people,” he said.

He explained that the meeting would focus on developing the 2026–2033 implementation plan for the Africa Water Vision 2063, translating commitments into practical programmes.

Responding, Nyambe commended Nigeria’s consistent leadership in the sector and its role as host of the AMCOW Secretariat since 2002

Nigeria has remained a strong pillar of support for AMCOW and for Africa’s water governance architecture. This engagement further demonstrates that leadership,” he said.

He described the visit as part of broader consultations to advance implementation of the Africa Water Vision 2063.

“Our mission here is to deepen collaboration with key member states like Nigeria as we move towards implementing the Africa Water Vision 2063 and ensuring that no one is left behind,” Nyambe added.

Nyambe also acknowledged the minister’s role in elevating water and sanitation issues within continental discourse.

“The leadership demonstrated by Nigeria, particularly through the Honourable Minister, is critical in ensuring that water and sanitation remain at the forefront of Africa’s development priorities,” he said.

He noted that the forthcoming implementation plan would focus on impactful initiatives.

“We are working towards a plan that prioritises high-impact flagship programmes capable of accelerating access to safe water and sanitation for millions across Africa,” he added.

Despite increasing policy attention, Africa continues to face significant water and sanitation challenges. According to the United Nations, more than 400 million people lack access to safe drinking water, while over 700 million are without adequate sanitation services.

In Nigeria, millions — particularly in rural and underserved communities — still lack access to safely managed water and sanitation, contributing to waterborne diseases and undermining socio-economic development.

AMCOW, established in 2002, serves as the African Union’s specialised platform for water policy coordination, working with development partners to mobilise investment and strengthen governance systems.

The Abuja engagement is expected to further consolidate regional efforts as African countries intensify actions to close water access gaps and achieve universal access in line with Agenda 2063.