SURWASH exercise targets stronger evidence-based planning, investment and service delivery across 25 LGAs
By: Chioma Vivian James
The Niger State Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Services has commenced the validation of its WASH Baseline Data, LGA-Wide Investment Plans and Environmental and Social Risk Management Policies under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.
The three-day validation workshop, held at Princess Azzahara Hotel, Minna, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, technical experts and other key stakeholders to review existing data, identify service delivery gaps and strengthen evidence-based planning for improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services across Niger State.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Irrigation Services, Engr. Farouk Umar Audi, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Akilu Musa Kuta, underscored the importance of credible baseline data and comprehensive LGA-wide investment plans in achieving sustainable improvements in WASH services.
The Commissioner explained that reliable data would enable the government and its development partners to understand the current WASH situation, identify areas of need, establish priorities, allocate resources effectively and measure progress over time.
He stressed that WASH planning must be driven by evidence rather than assumptions, noting that access to safe water, improved sanitation and proper hygiene has far-reaching implications for public health, education, economic productivity, human dignity and the overall wellbeing of citizens.
According to him, effective WASH interventions require a clear understanding of the realities confronting communities, particularly the gaps in access, infrastructure, service delivery and environmental safeguards.
Presenting the background and objectives of the validation exercise, the Consultant Team Leader, Engr. Hassan Mohammed Ibrahim, said reliable baseline information was essential for guiding sustainable investments and ensuring that WASH interventions respond to the actual needs of communities.
He explained that the validation process would provide stakeholders with an opportunity to scrutinise the available data, correct identified gaps and strengthen the quality of the reports before they are finalised for implementation and investment planning.
The workshop also featured goodwill messages from the Chairman, Niger State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources and member representing Katcha Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulmalik Bala Yakubu, and the Executive Secretary, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Jinandu Innuwa.
Both speakers commended the initiative, stressing the need for stronger institutional collaboration to address the state’s water, sanitation and public health challenges.
They noted that improved WASH services remain critical to reducing preventable diseases, improving living conditions and supporting healthier communities, while calling for sustained commitment from government agencies, communities, development partners and other stakeholders.
Representatives of the Ministry of Information, Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA), Ministry of Education, non-governmental organisations and development partners also expressed support for the validation exercise.
The stakeholders emphasised that effective WASH delivery requires coordinated action across sectors, given the strong links between water and sanitation, health, education, environmental protection and community development.
Technical sessions formed a major part of the workshop, with participants receiving presentations on the WASH Baseline Reports and engaging in group discussions, detailed reviews and validation of the draft documents.
Participants examined the findings and provided observations, corrections and technical inputs aimed at improving the accuracy, quality, relevance and usability of the reports.
The validation exercise is expected to provide Niger State with a more reliable evidence base for determining WASH priorities and developing investment strategies that respond to the specific needs of communities across the state.
The SURWASH Programme, supported by the World Bank and implemented across 17 participating states in Nigeria, is designed to strengthen access to sustainable water supply, sanitation and hygiene services.
For Niger State, stakeholders say the validated baseline data, investment plans and environmental and social risk management policies will provide an important foundation for better-informed investment decisions, effective programme implementation and improved WASH service delivery.
The exercise ultimately seeks to move WASH planning from broad assumptions to data-driven interventions capable of producing measurable and sustainable improvements in the lives of citizens across the state.
