Nigeria urges African unity, investment in water access

Nigeria has called for stronger unity among African nations and increased investment in sustainable water access and sanitation systems to address pressing developmental challenges across the continent.

Speaking at the 2026 Africa Day celebration in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said African countries must work collectively to confront insecurity, economic inequality, climate change, and poor access to clean water and sanitation.

She described Africa Day as more than a ceremonial event, noting that it reflects the shared history, struggles, and aspirations of African countries, as well as the enduring vision of the founding fathers of the former Organization of African Unity, now the African Union.

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According to the minister, Africa’s cultural diversity remains one of the continent’s greatest strengths and should continue to serve as a platform for deeper understanding and cooperation among nations.

She said African culture, including its languages, traditions, arts, music, and indigenous knowledge systems, plays a critical role in peace-building, regional integration, and sustainable development.

“Our progress as a continent depends on our ability to act together, to speak with one voice, and to confront shared challenges with shared solutions,” she said.

Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu said this year’s Africa Day theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation System to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” highlights the urgent need to improve access to clean water and sanitation across Africa.

She noted that millions of people on the continent still lack reliable access to clean water and adequate sanitation services, warning that the challenge threatens public health, livelihoods, economic growth, and social stability.

The minister added that poor sanitation systems continue to expose communities to disease outbreaks and environmental degradation, while women and children often bear the greatest burden in accessing safe water and dignified sanitation facilities.

She called on African governments to invest in resilient infrastructure, strengthen regional cooperation on shared water resources, embrace innovation, and adopt policies that guarantee equitable access to water and sanitation services.

Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu also linked the theme to Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term development framework, saying the goals can only be achieved through practical action, strategic partnerships, and responsible management of natural resources.

She said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to policies aimed at promoting sustainable development, regional cooperation, and Africa’s economic transformation.

The minister urged Africans to renew their commitment to unity, solidarity, and the preservation of the continent’s cultural heritage in pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa.