…as NEWSAN’s National Coordinator, Attah Benson seeks improved partnership with government
The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), Ekiti State team has embarked on advocacy visits to some strategic Ministries, Departments and Agentcies (MDAs) as part of efforts to improve water and sanitation, and ultimately end open defecation
in the state.
Some of the MDAs and stakeholders visited include Hon. Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Bolaji Aluko, Permanent Secretary Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Ekiti State Water Sanitation and Hygiene Regulatory Agency, Ekiti State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (EKRUWASA), Ekiti State Water and Sewage Company and Project Coordinator, Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) all in Ekiti State.
Advocacy Visit to EKRUWASA Ikere- EKIti
Speaking during the visits, the team led by Dr Mary Adeyamju Ekiti NEWSAN Coordinate relayed the speech of the NEWSAN’s National Coordinator, Mr Attah Benson who commended states implementing the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme for sustaining efforts to improve water and sanitation access.
Advocacy Visit to SURWASH
He however warned that more urgent action is needed to end open defecation nationwide.
Mr Attah Benson, said the visits were aimed at assessing progress, identifying gaps, and strengthening collaboration with state governments.
ADVOCACY VISIT TO HON Com. for Infrastructure and Public Utilities , Prof Bolaji Aluko 21st May 2026
He noted that consistent engagement with stakeholders has helped improve coordination and accountability in the delivery of WASH services.
Benson acknowledged the progress recorded through the programme, but pointed out that only Katsina State has so far attained statewide Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. He said other SURWASH states still face significant work to meet the ODF target and reduce the burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
“While SURWASH provides vital support, state governments must also explore alternative funding and implementation strategies to sustain progress,” Benson said. He recalled that the Federal Government had extended the national ODF target from 2025 to 2030 to give states more time, describing it as a reminder of the urgency to accelerate action.
Advocacy Visit to Ekiti Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Regulatory Agency
NEWSAN stressed that over half of the Sustainable Development Goals depend on progress in water, sanitation, and hygiene. Achieving SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, the group said, is central to advancing health, education, economic growth, food security, and sustainable cities.
The Network called on states to create an enabling environment that attracts private sector investment in the WASH sector, noting that businesses would only engage where governance, infrastructure, and transparency are strong.
Reaffirming its commitment, NEWSAN said it would continue working with national, state, and local authorities to strengthen policies, regulatory frameworks, and long-term planning for sustainable WASH outcomes across Nigeria.
Advocacy Visit to Ekiti State Water and Sewage Company
The SURWASH Programme, supported by the World Bank and the Federal Government, is designed to expand access to safe water and sanitation services for millions of Nigerians in both urban and rural areas.
