Surwash Gombe State

05/08/2026

5th August 2026.

GOMBE STATE NG-SURWASH PLEDGES COOPERATION WITH WATER RESOURCES MINISTRY, SEEKS GUIDANCE FOR SCALE-UP

The Gombe State Nigeria Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme (NG-SURWASH) has pledged maximum cooperation with the Gombe State Ministry of Water Resources to align with government policy and expand access to safe water and sanitation services across the state.

The pledge was made on Tuesday, 5th August 2026 during a familiarization and congratulatory visit by the NG-SURWASH implementation team to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner of Water Resources, Hon. Engr. Balah Adams (Mabudin Waja).

Leading the delegation, the Programme Coordinator accompanied by Heads of Implementation Agencys, Engr. Usman A. Aliyu, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and briefed him on NG-SURWASH’s mandate, ongoing interventions, and achievements.

"As the supervising Ministry, we recognize your leadership. NG-SURWASH is committed to working closely with the Ministry to ensure our interventions deliver sustainable WASH services to the people of Gombe," Engr. Aliyu said.

The team outlined NG-SURWASH’s focus areas, including strengthening systems at the LGA level, supporting the effective use of World Bank-funded programmes, and ensuring proper documentation of all activities.

Miss. Belinda Elisha, M&E Officer, gave an overview of activities of NG-SURWASH and current implementation status and requested the Ministry’s guidance and support to enable the programme to scale up interventions across more communities.

Dr. Adamu Jibir, Technical Assistant, Social and Gender, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to inclusive service delivery and community engagement to ensure no one is left behind.

The delegation also included Engr. Abubakar Puma, General Manager, Gombe State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA), and Engr. Muhammad Gidado Ahmed, General Manager, Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

In his response, Hon. Engr. Balah Adams (Mabudin Waja) welcomed the team and commended NG-SURWASH for the gesture. He assured the team of the Ministry’s support and oversight.

The Commissioner requested comprehensive data on the programme’s annual targets, achievements, and records from all Implementing Agencies to enhance accountability and planning.

"We must work together transparently. Please keep the Ministry informed of any challenges so we can address them early and deliver results for our people," the Commissioner stated.

The Permanent Secretary and Director, Water Resources also lauded the visit and called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and implementing agencies.

The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to deepen partnership for sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services in Gombe State.

24/06/2026

NEWSAN Seeks Collaboration with SURWASH Gombe on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Development

The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), Gombe State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme in Gombe State to explore areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery across the state.

The delegation, led by the Chairman of NEWSAN, was received by the SURWASH Programme Coordinator alongside key officials of the State Project Coordination Unit (SPCU).

Speaking during the visit, the NEWSAN State Coordinator Idris Lawanti commended the achievements of the SURWASH Programme in improving access to clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene services in communities across Gombe State. He stated that the visit was aimed at fostering a strong partnership between both organizations in promoting sustainable WASH interventions, community engagement and advocacy activities.

According to him, collaboration between NEWSAN and SURWASH would provide an opportunity to leverage the strengths of both organizations in addressing WASH challenges and ensuring that communities benefit from improved water and sanitation services.

In his response, the SURWASH Programme Coordinator Ergn Usman .A. Aliyu welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit. He highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving the objectives of the WASH sector and assured NEWSAN of the programme's willingness to work together in areas that will enhance service delivery and sustainability.

He noted that SURWASH remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene practices, in line with the development goals of Gombe State and the Federal Government.

The meeting featured discussions on potential areas of collaboration, including WASH advocacy, capacity building, community sensitization, policy support and joint efforts towards achieving sustainable development in the water and sanitation sector.

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment by both organizations to strengthen cooperation and work together towards improving the quality of life of residents through enhanced water, sanitation and hygiene services across Gombe State.

Hauwa Abubakar Jijji
Communication Officer,
SURWASH.

18/06/2026

GOMBE STATE NG-SURWASH HOLDS INCEPTION WORKSHOP AHEAD OF IVA VERIFICATION .

18th June 2026

The Gombe State NG-SURWASH Programme today convened an Inception, Verification Readiness, Documentation Review and Evidence Validation Workshop for Implementing Agencies, M&E Officers, and sector stakeholders under the programme.

The workshop, held at Rainbow Hotel, Tunfure, Gombe, is part of preparations ahead of the Independent Verification Agent, IVA visitation to the state.

In his welcome address, The State Programme Coordinator, Engr. Usman A. Aliyu urged all Implementing Agencies to use the session to ensure full readiness.

“This workshop gives us the opportunity to prepare ahead of the IVA visit by ensuring that all items on the verification checklist are ready,” he said. “I encourage all IAs to deepen synergy and partnership to achieve the Programme’s objectives and goals.”

The Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant assigned to Gombe State, Mrs Ivy Dooga, led the technical session, with paper presentations on Review of Verification Indicators, Means of Verification, and Documentation Requirements_ for Disbursement Linked Indicators, DLIs and Results Framework, RF Indicators.

The workshop featured technical breakout sessions where IAs were grouped to identify documentation gaps, develop agency-specific gap closure plans, and assign responsibilities with clear timelines.

Participants from various IAs expressed confidence that with this readiness workshop ahead of the IVA visitation, the desired results will be achieved and value for money will be attained under the programme.

The workshop had in attendance heads of Implementing Agencies, SPCU and key staff from GOSEPA, RUWASSA, STOWASSA, GSWB, and officials of the Gombe State Ministry of Water, Environment and Forest Resources.

The Nigeria Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, NG-SURWASH Programme is a flagship of Federal Government of Nigeria programme supported by the World Bank, aimed at increasing access to water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services and strengthening sector institutions.

Hauwa Abubakar Jijji
Communication Officer,
SURWASH.

05/06/2026

SURWASH Trains 140 Young Professionals as WASH Ambassadors in Gombe State

The Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme has organized a two days training for beneficiaries of the Young Professionals Programme aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to serve as ambassadors of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector across communities in Gombe State.

The training which took place at the Custodian Hotel Gombe brought together young professionals selected from different parts of the state and was designed to strengthen their understanding of WASH principles, community engagement strategies, sanitation promotion, hygiene practices, and the importance of sustainable water management.

Speaking during the opening session, the SURWASH Programme Coordinator Ergn Usman A. Aliyu emphasized the significance of youth involvement in advancing the objectives of the WASH sector. Nothing that young people possess the energy, creativity, and influence needed to drive behavioral change and promote healthy sanitation and hygiene practices within their communities.

According to him, the programme seeks to create a network of dedicated WASH ambassadors who will support awareness campaigns, educate community members on good hygiene practices, advocate for improved sanitation facilities, and contribute to the sustainability of water supply interventions across the state.

The participants received presentations on key WASH concepts, leadership skills, communication techniques, community mobilization, and monitoring approaches that will enable them to effectively carry out their responsibilities as ambassadors.

The Facilitators encouraged the young professionals to become agents of positive change by promoting handwashing, ending open defecation, protecting water sources, and supporting government efforts toward achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation services.

The Participants expressed appreciation to the SURWASH Programme for the opportunity, describing the training as timely and impactful. They pledged to utilize the knowledge acquired to sensitize residents and contribute to the improvement of public health outcomes in their respective communities.

The training marks another important step by the SURWASH Programme in strengthening community participation and empowering young people to play an active role in the development and sustainability of the WASH sector in Gombe State.

Hauwa Abubakar Jijji
Communication officer,
SURWASH.

03/06/2026

Young Professionals in Gombe State have been equipped with technical and leadership skills to drive Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Services as trained the next generation Wash Leaders.

Balgum Maisamari, reports for NTA Gombe

03/06/2026

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SURWASH Trains Young Professionals on Sanitation and Hygiene in Gombe

The Gombe State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme has trained over 140 young professionals, including persons with special needs, on sanitation, hygiene, and the fight against open defecation.

Speaking during the two-day workshop, the State SURWASH Project Coordinator, Engr. Usman Aliyu, urged participants to take the knowledge gained back to their communities to promote proper sanitation practices and environmental hygiene.

Officials described the training as a timely intervention that will help improve water supply, sanitation, and hygiene across the state.

22/05/2026

GOMBE STATE M&E UNIT VISIT SURWASH PROJECT SITES FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION.

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit of the Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has conducted a monitoring visit to project sites implemented under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Program in order to assess the level of implementation, evaluate the impact on beneficiaries, identify challenges encountered before and after implementation, and document lessons for future improvements.
The monitoring exercise covered several water and sanitation facilities across Gombe metropolis and surrounding communities. Sites visited include water and toilet facilities located at GRA, Wuro Biriji Primary School, Bomala Primary Health Care Centre (PHC), Kubalu, Haruna Garba, Zainab Bulkachuwa, Gandu, and Kundulum Primary Health Care Centre.
During the visit, the monitoring team inspected the functionality and condition of the facilities while engaging with community members, school authorities, health workers and beneficiaries to gather feedback on the impact of the projects on their daily lives.
The team noted that the interventions have significantly improved access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services in the benefiting communities, thereby contributing to better public health, improved learning environments in schools, and enhanced healthcare delivery in health facilities.

Speaking during the assessment, the leader from the M&E Unit emphasized the importance of regular monitoring in ensuring transparency, accountability and sustainability of government and donor-supported projects. She stated that the exercise would also help identify operational gaps and challenges requiring attention in order to strengthen future implementation strategies.
She further commended the SURWASH Program and the implementing agencies for their commitment toward improving water supply and sanitation services across Gombe State.

The program coordinator of the SURWASH Program Erng Usman A. Aliyu expressed appreciation to the Ministry’s monitoring team for the visit and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all projects executed under the program continue to meet the needs of communities and deliver lasting impact.
The visit reflects the continued commitment of the Gombe State Government and development partners toward promoting sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services as well as improving the wellbeing of citizens across the state.

Hauwa Abubakar Jijji,
Communication Officer
SURWASH GOMBE.

19/05/2026

NG-SURWASH GOMBE STATE HELD A ONE DAY WORKSHOP ON THE VALIDATION OF PIAP.

The Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Program has held a one-day workshop on the validation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP), organized by Jewel Knowledge Integrated Consult, as part of efforts to strengthen institutional performance and improve service delivery in the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector.
The workshop brought together the ,SPIU, the PIAP teams of the lAs and heads of implementing agencies to deliberate on strategies aimed at enhancing coordination, efficiency, and sustainability in the implementation of the SURWASH Program.
In his welcome address, the Program Coordinator Erg Usman A Aliyu represented by the General manager water board Erg Abubakar Sadiq welcomed participants and emphasized the significance of the workshop in promoting accountability and institutional effectiveness. He noted that the validation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan would provide a roadmap for achieving improved operational standards and better service delivery across the implementing agencies.
The Program Coordinator also officially declared the workshop open, urging participants to actively contribute towards the success of the exercise through constructive engagement and collaboration.

The Heads of the implementing agencies which include the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), Gombe State Water Board (GSWB), Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), and Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA), commended the SURWASH Program for organizing the timely workshop, describing it as a critical step towards strengthening institutional capacity and improving synergy among the Agencies.

The workshop featured presentations on key topics relevant to the implementation of the PIAP. One of the presentations titled “Principles, Guidelines and Operationalization of the PIAP” was delivered by Dr. Lukman Shiji Sadiq, who highlighted the framework and strategies necessary for effective implementation of the action plan across institutions.
Another session focused on “The Role of Institutional Synergy in PIAP Implementation,” which was presented by Dr Musa Abdu where he discussed the importance of collaboration, coordination, and collective responsibility among implementing agencies in achieving the objectives of the SURWASH Program.
Participants where also engaged in an interactive discussions and review sessions during the workshop, leading to the validation of important recommendations and action points expected to enhance institutional performance and ensure sustainable delivery of water, sanitation, and hygiene services across the state.

Hauwa Abubakar Jijji
Communication officer,
SURWASH.

27/04/2026

Gombe state SURWASH Receives Nafada College Delegation, Assures Commitment to WASH Support.

The Gombe state Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Program has received a delegation from the Gombe State College of Education and Legal Studies, Nafada, on a courtesy visit aimed at seeking intervention in the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities within the institution.

The delegation of the college management, led by the provost of the institution, Dawud Abubakar visited the SURWASH office to formally present their request for improved water supply systems, construction of modern toilet facilities, and establishment of waste collection centers to enhance environmental sanitation in the school.
Speaking during the visit, Dawud Abubakar expressed concern over the current state of WASH facilities in the college, noting that inadequate access to clean water and proper sanitation infrastructure poses challenges to both learning and general wellbeing of students and staff. Noting that they are here to seek the intervention of SURWASH in addressing some of the critical needs of their institution, particularly in the areas of water supply, sanitation, and waste management which are essential for creating a conducive learning environment.

In response, the SURWASH Program Coordinator Ergn Usman A. Aliyu welcomed the delegation and commended the college management for taking proactive steps toward improving WASH conditions in the institution, thus emphasizing the importance of sustainable water and sanitation systems in educational institutions, noting that such interventions contribute significantly to health, dignity, and academic performance. He therefore appreciate the visit and the concerns raised by the deligation, saying that SURWASH remains committed to supporting institutions in improving access to safe water and sanitation. He therefore assure them that their request will be carefully reviewed in line with the program’s objectives and implementation framework.
The coordinator further highlighted that SURWASH interventions are guided by established criteria and processes to ensure sustainability and impact.

The visit concluded with a renewed call for collaboration between the college and relevant implementing agencies to ensure that any intervention provided is effectively managed and maintained for long-term benefit.
The SURWASH Program continues to work towards improving access to water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services across communities and public institutions, in line with its mandate to promote public health and sustainable development

22/04/2026

SURWASH World Bank and FPIU Officials Visits Gombe as part of the Implementation mission to Strengthen WASH Systems in Gombe state, Nigeria.

The Gombe State SURWASH has welcomed a joint implementation mission team from the World Bank and the Federal Project Implementation Unit (FPIU) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the delivery of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services under the SURWASH programme.
The mission, which focused on reviewing progress and sustainability, paid visits to the four key Implementing Agencies in the state: Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), Gombe State Water Board (GSWB), Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), and Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA).

The primary objective of the visit was to assess and review the six-month work plans of the agencies, with particular emphasis on sanitation, sustainability of existing infrastructure, and institutional strengthening. Notably, the mission clarified that new construction of water facilities would be temporarily exempted during this phase, shifting focus instead to optimizing and maintaining previously established systems.
Speaking during the engagement, a representative of the World Bank Mrs Chigozie Nsobundu the M&E consultant emphasized the importance of sustainability over expansion, saying that
“This phase of the programme is critical. It is not just about building new infrastructure, but ensuring that what has already been provided continues to function effectively and serve communities in the long term.”

The team also underscored the need for strong institutional frameworks and policies to guide WASH service delivery across the state. Pointing out that Strengthening institutional capacity and implementing robust WASH policies will ensure accountability, efficiency, and long-term impact of interventions.

During the visits, each agency presented its work plan, highlighting strategies for improving sanitation services, maintaining existing water facilities, and promoting hygiene practices at the community level. The discussions also addressed challenges faced by the agencies and explored practical solutions to enhance service delivery.
The Programme Coordinator for SURWASH in Gombe state Ergn Usman A. Aliyu expressed appreciation for the continued support from development partners saying that the visit by the World Bank and FPIU provides us with an opportunity to align our priorities and ensure that our interventions are sustainable, impactful, and responsive to the needs of the people.

The mission is expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and reinforce the state’s commitment to achieving improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Gombe State remains dedicated to implementing policies and programmes that will guarantee the sustainability of WASH infrastructure and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.

Hauwa Abubakar Jijji
Communication Officer,
SURWASH.