Agbese Represents Deputy Speaker Kalu, Re-Emphasises 10th Reps Legislative Agenda

Hon. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Thursday, re-echoed the legislative agenda of the Green Chamber at an event where he represented Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Rt. Hon. Kalu was a special guest of honour at the FCDO WASH Systems for Health Programme Launch and Self Help Africa 25th Anniversary.

Agbese, in his address, said the House of Reps is enabling legislation that will unlock more Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding arrangements, including social impact financing for key services provision.

He assured that the 10th House will remain a staunch supporter of initiatives like the FCDO WASH Systems for Health Programme.

“It is an honour to be here today at the launch of the FCDO WASH Systems for Health Programme and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Self Help Africa’s impactful work in Nigeria,” the statement said.

“As many of you know, access to clean water and sanitation remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. Data from the World Bank and the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme tells us that 32% of Nigerians lack access to safely managed sanitation, and only 10% have access to basic WASH services. This is simply unacceptable.

“However, there is reason for optimism. The incredible work of organizations like Self Help Africa is making a real difference. Their award-winning WASH programmes have demonstrably improved sanitation in Nigeria, with several local government areas now declared open-defecation free. This is a testament to their dedication and expertise.

“The new FCDO WASH Systems for Health Programme represents a significant step forward. By strengthening WASH systems across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, this programme will ensure long-term sustainability and empower communities, particularly women, to have a voice in shaping the services they receive.

“This new approach aligns perfectly with the priorities of the House of Representatives. Our legislative agenda harps on enabling legislation that will unlock more Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding arrangements, including social impact financing for key services provision. We are also committed to increasing budgetary allocations to WASH, with a target of 1.7% of GDP – a critical step towards meeting SDG 6 targets for universal access to clean water and sanitation.

“But our commitment goes beyond national legislation. We are working tirelessly to ensure these WASH-supportive legislations are domesticated across all 36 state parliaments in Nigeria. This critical step will assure more budgetary allocation within respective states, allowing for the funding of more WASH facilities and systems locally.

“Furthermore, the House is resolute in its commitment to increasing budgetary allocations to WASH at the federal level. We are pushing for a target of 1.7% of GDP to be dedicated to WASH initiatives. This significant increase is a crucial step towards meeting SDG 6 targets for universal access to clean water and sanitation.

“The House of Representatives will remain a staunch supporter of initiatives like the FCDO WASH Systems for Health Programme. I want to express our deepest gratitude to both FCDO and Self Help Africa for their commitment to improving WASH systems in Nigeria. Your dedication serves as an inspiration to us all. We stand ready to collaborate and ensure that every Nigerian has access to clean water and sanitation – a fundamental human right.”