The World Bank has committed to supporting Nigeria’s water, sanitation, and hygiene sector going forward.
During a visit with Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Ndiame Diop, the recently appointed Country Director of the World Bank, made the promise.
In order to increase the effectiveness of the nation’s water policies and programs, Diop emphasized his desire for a closer alliance and ongoing cooperation with the ministry.
The minister made a request for more financing to support national efforts to improve food security.
Professor Utsev emphasized the significance of providing funding for food security, pointing out that doing so would increase job prospects and reduce criminal activity among the populace.
He also emphasized the need for the ministry and the World Bank to work together closely in order to effectively pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly with regard to the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN).
Engineer Utsev wished Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the departing World Bank country director, luck in his future endeavors and expressed his gratitude for his outstanding service.
In addition, he promised to assist Mr. Diop, the new director, in having a successful term.
Alh. Aliyu Shinkafi, the ministry’s permanent secretary, emphasized the necessity of expediting money release for project implementation by streamlining administrative procedures inside the World Bank.
Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the departing country director, thanked Nigeria and the ministry for their excellent cooperation.
He also praised Nigeria’s achievements in the fields of water and sanitation and promised the World Bank will keep helping the country achieve its development objectives.