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.

Diop stated his desire for a closer alliance and ongoing cooperation with the ministry in order to increase the effectiveness of the nation’s water policies and initiatives.

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 went on to emphasize how important it is for the ministry and the World Bank to work together closely in order to successfully achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN).

In his farewell remarks, Engineer Utsev thanked Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the outgoing World Bank country director, for his excellent work and best wishes in his future endeavors.

In addition, he promised to help Mr. Diop, the new director, have a successful term in office.

To speed money release for project execution, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alh. Aliyu Shinkafi, emphasized the necessity of streamlining administrative procedures within the World Bank.

Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the departing country director, conveyed his appreciation to Nigeria and the ministry for their outstanding collaboration.

In addition, he praised Nigeria’s achievements in the water and sanitation domain and guaranteed the World Bank’s ongoing backing to propel the country’s development objectives forward.