Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 West Africa Sub-Regional Meeting on water security and sanitation in Abuja, with leaders warning that political commitment will determine progress across the continent.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, announces the summit while receiving an African Union delegation led by Nyambe Nyambe and Nelson Gomonda.
He stresses that water and sanitation remain critical to Africa’s development goals, including food security, industrialisation and climate resilience.
“Sustained political will is essential to achieving water security,” Utsev says.
The meeting, scheduled for April 21 to 23, will focus on developing the 2026–2033 implementation plan for the Africa Water Vision 2063.
Officials say the plan aims to drive investment, accelerate impact and strengthen regional cooperation.
Nyambe commends Nigeria’s leadership, noting its long-standing role in hosting the African Ministers’ Council on Water Secretariat.
“Nigeria remains central to Africa’s water governance framework,” he says.
The summit is expected to boost efforts to expand access to safe water and sanitation for millions across West Africa.
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Mirian Gom 