Niger State Hosts Validation Workshop on Improved Water Supply and Sanitation
By Safiya Yaman Muhammad
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in partnership with CISEC Engineering Limited, organized a validation workshop on improved water supply and sanitation in Niger State.
The event took place at Princess AZ-Zahra Lodge in Minna and aimed to strengthen water and sanitation services through sector review, data validation, and the creation of an investment plan.
Addressing the attendees, Farouk Umaru Audi, Niger State’s Commissioner for Water Resources and Irrigation Services, described the workshop as timely and strategic. He noted that the African Development Bank (AfDB) grant to the Federal Ministry reflects international confidence in Nigeria’s reform efforts and in Niger’s capacity to achieve significant results in water and sanitation.
The commissioner emphasized that Niger State is a direct beneficiary of the AfDB-supported initiative, particularly highlighting improvements expected in urban water schemes in Minna, Suleja, Bida, Kontagora, and New Bussa.
He explained that the intervention aims to enhance access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation services across the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Akilu Musa Kuta, the commissioner praised CISEC Engineering Limited for supporting a comprehensive sector review. He stated that the firm’s involvement includes data collection, analysis, and the development of an Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Master and Investment Plan.
He also noted that effective planning in the water sector has been hampered over the years by insufficient data, fragmented investments, and reactive infrastructure development.
According to him, the validation workshop provides an opportunity to address these issues and establish a coordinated, data-driven planning framework.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Engineer Kasim Nafiu, the National Coordinator from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, highlighted that the Niger State Water Plan Review is a vital project to develop a practical master plan for water supply and sanitation in the state and nationwide.
Additionally, Engineer Hassan Kida, Team Lead of CISEC Engineering Limited, mentioned that the master plan will be essential for tackling Niger State’s water and sanitation challenges and supporting overall growth.
In his goodwill message, Gimba Yisa, Managing Director of NISWASEC, stressed that the success of the workshop is crucial for attracting investor support. He added that Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has emphasized the need for comprehensive water demand assessments to ensure projects benefit all citizens.
Highlights of the event included technical paper presentations, a question-and-answer session, and data update and validation.
