Bauchi WASH stakeholders propose bold “WASH tax” to boost critical water and sanitation funding in impactful development push

Stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector in Bauchi State have proposed the introduction of a “WASH Tax” on companies and related institutions operating within the state to boost funding for water and sanitation services.

The proposal was part of key resolutions reached at the end of the 2026 State WASH Joint Sector Review (JSR), held from May 12 to 14 at Hazibal Suites, Bauchi.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, participants also called for the immediate creation of a WASH Fund Basket, as well as the organisation of a donor roundtable aimed at mobilising additional resources for the sector.

The review brought together stakeholders from government ministries, departments and agencies, local government councils, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional and religious institutions, academia, the media, and community groups.

Participants acknowledged progress in expanding water supply, sanitation campaigns, and hygiene promotion, but noted that the sector still faces significant challenges. These include inadequate funding, poor maintenance culture, non-functional facilities, climate-related risks, and unequal access to services.

They urged the Bauchi State Government to prioritise WASH as a critical public health and development priority through improved financing, stronger policy enforcement, and sustained political will.

The communiqué also recommended the completion of the Water Regulatory Commission and the Small Towns Water Agency under the Ministry of Water Resources.

It further called for the full corporatisation of the Bauchi State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Stakeholders emphasised the need for improved coordination among ministries, agencies, and local governments in implementing WASH programmes, while also advocating stronger support for the Multi-sectoral Stakeholders Forum on WASH.

They also called for the revival of the WASH Media Network to strengthen public awareness campaigns on sanitation and hygiene practices.

Traditional and religious leaders were encouraged to take a more active role in promoting hygiene at the community level to help achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across all local government areas.

Key priorities for implementation between 2026 and 2027 include increased budget allocation to the WASH sector, rehabilitation of non-functional water systems, expansion of hygiene behaviour change initiatives, and scaling up Community-Led Total Sanitation programmes.

The stakeholders also agreed to reduce the state’s ODF reversion rate from 15 per cent to five per cent within one year.

Other resolutions include strengthening WASH data systems, integrating climate resilience and disability inclusion into programmes, and improving WASH services in schools and healthcare facilities.

The communiqué further stated that quarterly review meetings will be conducted to track progress, while annual performance reports will be published to promote transparency and accountability.

The document was adopted on May 14, 2026, and signed by representatives of key institutions including the Ministry of Water Resources, State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Bauchi State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation, UNICEF, WaterAid, civil society organisations, and media stakeholders.