The intervention, implemented over the past two years, has also recorded major policy and governance successes, including significant increases in budgetary allocations for water and sanitation. According to programme officials, funding for the sector rose by 211 per cent in Cross River State and 169.07 per cent in Kano State, reflecting stronger government commitment to improving WASH services.
Speaking at the WS4H National Learning and Dissemination Workshop, the Country Director of Self Help Africa, Joy Aderele, said the programme had delivered tangible improvements in sanitation, governance and service delivery through close collaboration with federal, state and local governments as well as development partners.
She disclosed that the project facilitated the construction of more than 5,520 household toilets in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, helping to improve sanitation standards and reduce the practice of open defecation in the benefiting communities.
Aderele noted that despite progress in recent years, millions of Nigerians, particularly those living in rural communities, still lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities.
She identified climate change, inadequate funding and weak institutional capacity as some of the major challenges affecting effective WASH service delivery across the country.
According to her, the WS4H programme has focused on strengthening governance by supporting better planning, improved financing mechanisms, policy reforms and accountability within the sector.
She revealed that both Kano and Cross River states have reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies while also launching WASH Financing Strategies and Basic Sanitation Access Roadmaps designed to improve funding and expand access to essential services.
Among the programme's notable achievements, Aderele highlighted the passage of the Water Law and the Open Defecation Prohibition Bill, describing them as important legislative milestones expected to strengthen water and sanitation service delivery.
She added that strategic WASH development plans were also prepared for local governments to enhance planning, encourage community ownership and provide clear direction for future investments in the sector.
Aderele further explained that the programme's implementation model is already being replicated in other locations, with successful interventions in Yala Local Government Area now serving as a model for similar initiatives in Obubra Local Government Area.
While acknowledging the programme's achievements, she warned that inadequate institutional capacity, limited financial resources, climate-related challenges and political transitions could undermine the sustainability of ongoing reforms.
She therefore called on the Federal Government, state and local governments, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to deepen collaboration, increase investments and ensure effective implementation of existing policies to preserve the gains already recorded.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mr. Jamilu Habu, stressed the importance of stronger partnerships among government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and local communities in achieving universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services.
He commended Self Help Africa and its partners for the successful implementation of the WS4H programme in Kano and Cross River states, noting that the initiative had strengthened WASH governance through improved coordination, evidence-based planning and enhanced institutional capacity.
According to Habu, the workshop provided stakeholders with an opportunity to evaluate the programme's achievements, review lessons learned and identify practical strategies for improving the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of WASH interventions across Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the evidence, innovations and best practices generated through the programme would support better decision-making and shape future policies, programmes and investments aimed at expanding access to safe water and sanitation services nationwide.
Habu also encouraged stakeholders to openly assess implementation challenges and document the solutions adopted, saying such experiences would help improve the design and delivery of future WASH programmes.
He urged governments and development partners to sustain the momentum created by the initiative and explore opportunities to replicate its successful interventions beyond the current project cycle.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Habu said the ministry would continue working with partners to strengthen Nigeria's WASH systems and accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation for all.