SURWASH Programme Strengthens Implementation Framework Orientation and POM Validation Workshop

The Nigeria Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering sustainable and inclusive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services across participating states through a three-day Orientation and Programme Operations Manual (POM) Validation Workshop held from 19th to 21st August 2026 in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWR&S), State Programme Coordination Units (SPCUs), World Bank representatives, technical experts, State implementing agencies, and members of the Federal Programme Coordination Unit (FPCU) to review, validate, and strengthen the operational framework guiding the implementation of the SURWASH Programme.

The Programme Operations Manual serves as the primary implementation guide for SURWASH activities, outlining institutional arrangements, operational procedures, fiduciary requirements, environmental and social safeguards, monitoring and evaluation processes, reporting mechanisms, and accountability systems. The validation exercise was designed to ensure that the revised manual reflects emerging realities, lessons learned from implementation, and the recommendations arising from the Programme's restructuring process.

Speaking during the opening session, officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Acting Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, FNSE emphasized the importance of a harmonized implementation framework in achieving the Programme Development Objective of increasing access to improved water supply and sanitation services while strengthening sector institutions across participating states.

Participants received detailed orientation on the revised provisions of the POM, including governance structures, procurement processes, financial management procedures, performance monitoring systems, citizen engagement mechanisms, communication and visibility requirements, and safeguards compliance. Discussions also focused on aligning implementation activities with the Programme-for-Results (PforR) financing approach and ensuring compliance with World Bank operational requirements.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in intensive technical sessions, group discussions, and plenary reviews aimed at identifying gaps, clarifying operational procedures, and incorporating practical recommendations from states and implementing agencies. The collaborative review process enabled stakeholders to collectively validate the document and build consensus on critical implementation protocols.