Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, is steadily transforming the nation’s water and sanitation landscape through bold reforms, strategic partnerships, and community-centered initiatives. His leadership reflects a clear vision — to make clean water and proper sanitation accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of location or social status.
Under his guidance, the ministry has made remarkable progress in expanding access to potable water and improving sanitation infrastructure across the country. Through careful planning and collaboration with state governments, the private sector, and international development partners, Professor Utsev has ensured that water-related projects reach both urban and rural communities. Each initiative reflects his commitment to equity and sustainability.
One of his major achievements is the accelerated implementation of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign. This nationwide drive seeks to eliminate open defecation by mobilizing communities, promoting hygiene awareness, and providing lasting sanitation solutions. Recently, two states — Jigawa and Katsina — achieved Open Defecation-Free status, signaling that the national target is within reach. The Minister has emphasized that such progress is possible only through strong coordination between the federal and state levels, as well as active participation from citizens.
Furthermore, the Ministry’s partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and the National Task Group on Sanitation has helped streamline the delivery of clean water projects. These collaborations have accelerated the construction of boreholes, water treatment plants, and reticulation systems, ensuring that millions now enjoy improved access to safe water.
Professor Utsev has also prioritized sustainability. Beyond project execution, he insists on maintenance frameworks, local ownership, and capacity building. By training water management professionals and empowering local technicians, the Ministry ensures that projects remain functional long after completion. His insistence on accountability and transparency has further built public trust in the ministry’s operations.
Equally, the Minister’s commitment to climate resilience has earned international recognition. Through partnerships with global institutions such as UNICEF, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank, Nigeria has developed integrated water management strategies that address flooding, drought, and water scarcity. These efforts reflect the nation’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 — ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Moreover, Professor Utsev has strengthened the institutional capacity of the Ministry through digital transformation. With new monitoring systems and data-driven decision-making tools, the ministry now tracks project impact more effectively and ensures efficient allocation of resources. This innovation-driven approach is helping the sector operate with renewed professionalism and focus.
In his words, access to water is not just a basic necessity — it is the foundation of economic growth, public health, and national stability. His leadership continues to inspire a new generation of engineers, policymakers, and citizens who see clean water as a shared national mission.
Through vision, integrity, and relentless effort, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources is proving that effective governance can indeed deliver tangible change. His work is building not just pipelines, but pathways to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Nigeria.
