Despite Unaccounted $32 million, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Needs N5 billion More to Meet Yearly Toilet Building Target

The Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has cited funding challenges as one of the significant setbacks in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve its Open Defecation Free (ODF) target by 2030.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja during activities marking the 2024 World Toilet Day, Utsev revealed that while an annual budget of N10 billion is required to sustain the initiative, only N5 billion has been released.

He also stated that Nigeria needs to build an additional 11.6 million toilets to meet its target.

However, Utsev stressed that achieving ODF status requires more than just constructing toilets, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proper utilisation of the facilities.

This is why we are elevating the campaign to a higher level. The vice president will lead the relaunch of our strategy in a more impactful way, he said.

He pointed out that since the campaign’s launch in 2019, 135 local government areas and over 30,000 communities have achieved ODF status, with additional regions undergoing verification.

He also pointed out that partners, such as UNICEF, have contributed significantly by providing toilet facilities, training, and awareness programs. However, partners do not directly provide funds, creating a gap in the resources needed for universal sanitation.

Utsav acknowledged that the challenge lies in the number of toilets and in ensuring their proper and consistent use.

Ending open defecation is about more than toilets; it’s about improving health, boosting productivity, and enhancing the dignity and safety of our citizens, he said.

The citing of funding challenges coincides with concerns over financial mismanagement in water infrastructure projects.

The World Bank recently disclosed that $32 million is unaccounted for in Nigeria’s water infrastructure projects, according to its FY2024 Sanctions System Annual Report.

A forensic investigation by the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) of the bank uncovered irregularities in funds meant to improve access to water infrastructure.

These revelations cast doubt on the integrity of the sanitation and water projects and underscore the need for improved financial oversight.

Read Also: Mothers Of Chibok Documentary Premieres At Doc NYC, Celebrates Resilience Amid Tragedy

About The Author

Oluwasegun Sanusi

author

See author's posts