Nigeria and African Union strengthen efforts for water and sanitation access across Africa
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Nigeria and the African Union Commission are intensifying efforts to improve access to safe water and sanitation across Africa. This follows a high-level meeting in Abuja with the African Ministers’ Council on Water AMCOW. Joseph Utsev, Nigeria's Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, welcomed an AU delegation led by Harsen Nyambe, Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union Commission, and Nelson Gomonda, Officer-in-Charge of the AMCOW Secretariat. The Minister emphasized the importance of the visit for continental collaboration on water governance and policy, highlighting that water security is crucial for Africa’s transformation, including food security, industrialization, and climate resilience. He noted the AU's 2026 Theme of the Year, "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems," as a significant step in elevating the sector within Agenda 2063. Nigeria is prepared to lead in developing an actionable implementation plan for the Africa Water Vision 2063, which will translate commitments into practical programs. Nyambe commended Nigeria's leadership and its role as host of the AMCOW Secretariat since 2002, stating that the visit aims to deepen collaboration with key member states like Nigeria to implement the Africa Water Vision 2063 and ensure universal access. Despite increased policy attention, over 400 million people in Africa lack access to safe drinking water, and more than 700 million lack adequate sanitat
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The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, briefed President Bola Tinubu on the progress of legacy projects in the Niger Delta region. Following a meeting at the State House in Abuja, Dr Ogbuku reaffirmed the NDDC's commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. He attributed the Commission's success to the Presidency's support, noting President Tinubu's directive to complete all legacy projects for the benefit of the region's people. Dr Ogbuku highlighted completed projects such as the 650-bed Niger Delta University hostel complex in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, and an electrification project in Oron, Akwa Ibom State. He extended an invitation to President Tinubu to commission these projects. The new hostel aims to address accommodation shortages, providing comfort, security, and enhancing academic productivity for students. Dr Ogbuku also mentioned several landmark projects nearing inauguration, including the Kaa–Ataba Road and Bridge in Rivers State, the Niger Delta Regional Specialist Hospital in Rivers State, and road projects at Ikot Ekpene. He also briefed the President on the 70.75 km Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road and bridges in Warri North Local Government Area, a joint effort with the Delta State Government and Chevron Nigeria Limited. The NDDC, established in 2000, is mandated to fast-track development in the nine oil-rich Niger Delta states: Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Abia, and Ondo.
Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, known as Mr P, has refuted claims that a woman caused the renewed rift within the Okoye family, stating the dispute stems from long-standing internal disagreements over loyalty, trust, and management of their music empire. In posts shared on X, Mr P rejected narratives linking women to the family's breakdown, asserting that issues of "betrayal and stealing" began over 20 years ago, before any family members were married. He emphasized prioritizing his well-being and setting boundaries, stating, "Blood isn’t thicker than my peace of mind." Mr P confirmed the dispute remains unresolved and has moved into the legal space, noting, "We are still in court!" This comes amid renewed attention on the ongoing crisis involving P-Square members Peter and Paul Okoye and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. P-Square, a successful African music group, first split in 2017 over management, finances, and creative direction, reuniting in 2021 before tensions resurfaced. The family dispute also involves legal proceedings, with Jude Okoye facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged money laundering and diversion of royalties, which he denies. The matter is before the Lagos State High Court, adjourned to May 15, 2026. Recent court proceedings also revealed Mr P is a co-signatory to the Northside Entertainment Limited account.
Must ReadSix individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, are set to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja today, April 22, 2026. The defendants, retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, face 13 counts. These charges include conspiracy, attempt to commit treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, financing terrorism, and money laundering. Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also named in the charge but is currently at large. The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired in 2025 to wage war against Nigeria and overthrow the President. They are also accused of failing to report knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, and of indirectly supporting acts of terrorism. Specific financial transactions linked to terrorism financing are also detailed in the charges against Abdulkadir Sani, Bukar Kashim Goni, Zekeri Umoru, and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim. These developments occur amidst ongoing investigations into an alleged coup plot, which led to the arrest of 16 military officers in 2025. The military has established a court martial to try serving personnel implicated in the case, who have now been granted access to their lawyers. Wives of detained officers, including Nana Usman and Shafa’atu Ali
Former presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has officially joined the African Democratic Congress ADC presidential race for the 2027 general elections. He committed to uniting the country, addressing insecurity, and implementing economic reforms to improve Nigeria's economy. Speaking on Arise Television, Hayatu-Deen stated that current challenges require leadership capable of recognizing and addressing the daily hardships faced by Nigerians. He highlighted rising food and petrol prices, and the depreciating Naira, noting that many Nigerians struggle daily. Hayatu-Deen also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, stating that more is spent on ransom payments than on funding security agencies. He criticized the government for not acting with urgency despite the strain on households and businesses, asserting that the current situation is not what Nigeria deserves. Hayatu-Deen promised a realistic alternative focused on economic stability, improved security, and renewed confidence in public institutions, offering himself as a calm and steady leader with over four decades of experience in reviving organizations, creating jobs, attracting investments, and advancing educational programs. He emphasized the importance of party unity for victory in 2027, urging ADC members to offer a credible alternative to secure the country, grow the economy, and restore hope. Hayatu-Deen exited the Peoples Democratic Party on April 12, citing escalating insecurity, rising