EU to spend N17bn on water and sanitation in Nigeria

The European Union has said that it will spend N17bn to support the provision of potable water and sanitation in Nigeria.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. David Macrae, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Minister Of Water Resources, Chief Obadiah Ando, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

He explained that the money would help the Federal Government to strengthen its drive towards meeting the Millennium Development Goal of providing potable water for majority of Nigerians by the year 2015.

He said, “As parts of efforts towards ensuring adequate, safe water and sanitation in Nigeria, the European Union will spend N17bn (£87m) to assist the Federal Government attain the Millennium Development goal on water and sanitation by 2015.

“The money will assist the Ministry of Water Resources in establishing water policy and law both at the federal and state levels. Already, there are EU-funded intervention projects in Anambra, Cross River, Osun, Kano, Yobe, and Jigawa States. The objective is to ensure that there is provision of clean, safe and hygienic water in Nigeria.”

He stated that said there were 74 on- going projects in the six focal states in Nigeria , which according to him, will span five years.

He said,“The European Union is committed to supporting Nigeria in ensuring safe and clean water and sanitation to develop cooperation between the countries. Although, we have started with six focal states, we are committing additional £87m to the project.”

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