Abuja: The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to consider themselves as protectors of the nation’s rivers, emphasizing that preserving waterways is crucial for public health, food security, and the economy. Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, made this appeal during the 2025 World Rivers Day commemoration in Abuja, themed ‘Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, urged all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, the private sector, and media, to act as guardians of the rivers. He emphasized that rivers should not be treated as waste disposal sites and warned against polluting them with sewage, effluents, or through open defecation. He reiterated that protecting rivers is synonymous with safeguarding health and the economy.
Prof. Utsev highlighted that clean and healthy rivers are integral to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas such as food security, job creation, and socio-economic wellbeing. He noted that the Federal Government has initiated key interventions to protect rivers and improve sanitation. These initiatives include the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, and the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.
He also mentioned that 21 states and 151 Local Government Areas have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, with Jigawa State maintaining its record as the first ODF state in Nigeria. Furthermore, Utsev noted that the River Basin Development Authorities have intensified efforts on community-inclusive initiatives such as tree planting, catchment protection, and small-scale irrigation schemes to protect riverbanks and enhance food production.
The minister underscored the importance of collaborating with states, local councils, civil society, and the private sector to promote eco-friendly practices, including river clean-ups, pollution control, and climate-smart sanitation. In a welcome address, Mr. Pheelangwah, represented by Mr. Moses Jo-Madugu, Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, noted that rivers must be respected and managed carefully, as they nurture ecosystems, sustain livelihoods, and hold cultural significance.
Pheelangwah added that activities like road shows, tree planting, and riverbank clean-ups are being conducted nationwide to foster community ownership and collective responsibility. He praised the minister’s efforts to reposition the water and sanitation sector and acknowledged the support from River Basin Development Authorities, civil society, development partners, and the media.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event also featured symbolic tree planting and river cleaning activities at Wupa river along Airport Road, Abuja.