The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to donate the sum of one million US dollars to African Water Facility (AWF) in its effort to address water and sanitation challenges in Africa.
African Water Facility (AWF) is an initiative of African Minister’s Council on Water (AMCOW) to mobilize resources for the Water and Sanitation Sector in order to meet up with the MDGs/ SDGs water and sanitation related goals and the African Vision 2025. The fund is being managed by the African Development Bank (ADB).
His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, made the pledge on Friday 27thNovember, 2015 while speaking at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of African Water Facility in Abuja.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu FNSE said that Nigeria being the giant of Africa would take lead and donate the sum of one million US Dollars to the project.
He said “As is our custom to take the lead in worthy causes, I am pleased to announce that the Nigerian government hereby pledges to contribute the sum of $1.0 million”.
He added“ I urge all stakeholders from within the public and private sector development partners and NGOs to play their role efficiently, I also enjoin African governments to accord increased priority to the water sector in their budgetary allocations, we must deploy our collective efforts to develop and encourage innovative ways of financing water sector investment to meet the enormous investment needs in the sector.”
In his remarks, the Vice President, Africa Development Bank, Ali ABOU-SABAAcommended the effort of Nigerian Government in taking the lead in the donation process. He added that African Development Bank (ADB) has committed substantial resources to the Africa Water Facility for the development of water infrastructure in Africa.
The Executive Secretary, African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), Mr. Bai Mass TAALdescribed Nigeria as the father of African Water Facility, he said the initiative of AMCOW which gave birth to African Water Facility was initiated in Nigeria.
M.E Umoh (Mrs.)
Director Information, FMWR