TheCable

Joseph Utsev, minister of water resources and sanitation, has implored the World Bank to increase funding and support for Nigeria to address water and sanitation challenges.

He made the request on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with Shubham Chaudhuri, outgoing country director of the bank, and Ndiame Diop, incoming country director.

Utsev acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with the bank and emphasised its important role. He said President Bola Tinubu is committed to promoting the welfare of Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister said the ministry is expecting more funding for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN).

Utsev said he is optimistic that the initiative will generate employment opportunities for the youth and also aid power generation and agriculture, thereby improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

He restated the federal government’s commitment to engaging youths in meaningful activities such as agriculture and other youth-centric programmes.

Chaudhuri commended Nigeria’s efforts in the water and sanitation sectors and assured the minister that the bank will continue to support the new government.

Diop affirmed the bank’s commitment to collaborate closely with the ministry to identify priority areas for intervention.

Shehu Shinkafi, permanent secretary in the ministry, implored the bank to expedite the approval process for grants to enable the country benefit more from its interventions.

Utsev also met the team from Self Help Africa, led by Joy Aderele, its country director.

The minister urged the organisation to support the campaign against open defecation, particularly in rural areas.