By Blessing Odega
The Plateau Ministry of Water Resources and Energy on Tuesday highlighted key achievements in the water sector and reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion at the 2026 World Water Day celebration.
Plateau Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Mr Bashir Datti, described this year’s theme, “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows”, as apt.
Datti stated that the theme underscored the critical link between water access, management, and inclusive participation, particularly for women and girls.
The commissioner, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mr Lohnan Gambo, noted that the state government had made significant progress in improving access to safe and reliable water, sanitation, and hygiene services for the people.
According to him, the development of an implementation plan for gender mainstreaming in the water sector law is a major step toward institutionalising gender inclusion in water governance.
He emphasised that women play a central role in water use and management at the household level and as such should be actively involved in decision-making processes in the water sector.
Datti further stated that the appointment of a woman to head the newly established Plateau State Water Sector Regulatory Commission reflects the commitment of the government to gender inclusion in water governance and project implementation.
The commissioner highlighted some of the ministry’s achievements to include the rehabilitation and upgrade of major water treatment plants, including a solar-powered water supply system at Mado in Tudun Wada, as well as the expansion of water distribution networks to underserved communities.
He further said that the ministry also implemented the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services across urban, small-town, and rural communities.
The commissioner added that the ministry is strengthening community-based water management systems and deepening collaboration with development partners to mobilise resources and technical support.
He reaffirmed the government’s support for initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable water access and promoting women’s participation in water resource management across the state.
Earlier, Mrs Stella Buge, the acting Executive Director, Plateau State Water Sector Regulatory Commission, said in her remarks that the commission and the ministry were committed to achieving their mandate.
Buge stated that the commission was working towards ensuring water access was equitable and that women’s voices were heard in every stage of water resources and governance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the World Water Day is commemorated on March 22, annually.(NAN)(http://www.nannews.ng)