As part of efforts to deepen knowledge on emerging issues in the sanitation and water sector, WaterAid Nigeria recently trained journalists and members of the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN).
While declaring the training open in Abuja, the WaterAid Nigeria Country Director, Evelyn Mere, said current data on levels of access to sanitation services and the practice of open defecation is worrisome and unacceptable.
She urged stakeholders to scale up action as the deadline for Nigeria to end open defecation and achieve the SDGs goal 6.2.
She said the media and civil society are the most strategically positioned actors to objectively achieve the said targets.
“Good policies are fundamental to effective planning, result-oriented programming and efficiency in financing that are necessary to addressing the current unpleasant narrative.
“WASH falls within the purview of multiple ministries, departments and agencies in Nigeria and inter-ministerial collaboration is indispensable to achieving safely managed sanitation for all. Safely managed sanitation for everyone is essential for health, general well-being, environmental protection, and economic development while also being a basic human right.
“Inadequate sanitation has many negative impacts beyond those on health, including feelings of dignity, insecurity, and anxiety, and additionally contributes to poverty and poor school attendance.
“The African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG) was developed by the African Ministers’ Council on Water and designed to provide African member states with the ideal processes for an ideal national Sanitation and Hygiene policy.
“It provides the needed guidance for developing comprehensive sanitation policies through an inclusive and multi-stakeholder process,” she said.
Highlighting WaterAid Nigeria efforts during a lecture titled: “Advocating For ASPG Adaptation For Policy Review In Nigeria,” WaterAid head of Programme, Mr Kolawole Banwo, said WaterAid in facilitating the review of the Nigerian Policy has been engaging key line ministries, especially with the FMWR and FMEnv to develop a National WASH Policy.
“So far, we have successfully inaugurated the Policy Review Working Group to be co-chaired by the two ministries and secured the commitment of all other lines ministries to participate in the process,” he said.
He said the ASPG presents an opportunity to address the policy environment in the sector, adding that it presents an opportunity to forge collaboration between the respective ministries, departments and agencies.
