Yemisi Dada
To speed up the implementation of the Lagos State government Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, policy signed into law by Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu since March 2024, WaterAid Nigeria has engaged representatives of relevant stakeholders on a five day workshop held at Ikeja GRA between April 11 to 15, 2025.
At the Lagos State WASH policy implementation strategy development capacity building workshop, the Head of WaterAid Nigeria Lagos Program, Dr Alao Adebayo, said the Lagos WASH policy is aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation as well as empower communities to take ownership of their water resources, ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of water security and peace in line with SDG goal 6.
According to him, the workshop became imperative to ensure all relevant agencies of the government understand their roles in the implementation process to avoid overlapping duties.
“The policy also emphasizes the importance of hygiene education, particularly in schools, to promote proper hygiene practices and reduce the spread of water-borne diseases”.
Admitting that the WASH policy implementation is behind schedule, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Mamoud Adegbite, challenged officers of the ministry to brace up for the task ahead.
The Consultant, Mr Timeyin Uwejamomere, harped on the need for the Lagos State government to increase its awareness and sensitization on dangers of open Defecation in the state, emphasizing the need to review the WASH policy to meet the current realities.
He maintained that the WASH policy outlines a comprehensive approach to water management, including conservation, pollution prevention, and equitable distribution.
“The implementation of the policy involves collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations like WaterAid, and the private sector”
“The policy is seen as crucial for attracting investment into the WASH sector, particularly from the private sector, to ensure sustainable and efficient water and sanitation services”
Reading from the Lagos WASH policy document, WaterAid WASH project officer, Mrs Bassey Aniema, said the policy also encompasses various aspects of water management, including conservation, pollution prevention, and equitable distribution of water resources, with objectives of improving water infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of dysfunctional water works, to ensure a reliable and sufficient supply of clean water.
“It emphasizes the importance of empowering communities to take ownership of their water resources, fostering a sense of responsibility and promoting sustainable practices. It seeks to enhance sanitation services, ensuring that everyone has access to adequate and hygienic sanitation facilities.”
The platform also provided opportunities for participants to review specific WASH guides and regulations to achieve the state’s objectives, as it aligns with SDG Goal 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.