A coalition of water justice groups attributes Nigeria’s water shortage to poor funding of utilities, as outlined in their report “Dry Taps: A Damning Verdict on the State of Water Utilities in Nigeria.” The research, conducted across six states, reveals systemic neglect of water services, emphasizing the need for government accountability and improved funding to address the crisis.
As World Water Day 2025 approaches, a coalition of water justice groups has attributed Nigeria’s persistent water scarcity to inadequate funding. In their report titled “Dry Taps: A Damning Verdict on the State of Water Utilities in Nigeria,” the coalition calls on the government to improve financial support for water utilities across the nation. This report summarizes the conditions of water services in Enugu, Lagos, Oyo, Kogi, Edo, and Kano States.
The fact-finding missions were conducted by seven organizations, including the New Life Community Care Initiative (NELCCI) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations (AUPCTRE). The coalition sheds light on the severe water crisis affecting all states in Nigeria, emphasizing the underlying issues that contribute to this plight. Florence Ifeanyi-Aneke, Executive Director of NELCCI, remarked that the report aims to encourage state governments to recognize their duties in providing citizens with access to clean and affordable water.
Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of RDI, asserted, “Now we can lay the blame for the parlous state of water in Nigeria exactly where it belongs.” He criticized both state and federal governments for neglecting their responsibilities to finance water services adequately, paving the way for the privatization of water utilities.
During a public presentation, AUPCTRE General Secretary Comrade Sikiru Waheed acknowledged the report’s limited scope, targeting six out of Nigeria’s 36 states but effectively representing geographical diversity. The report examines water access in Lagos and Oyo (Southwest), Enugu (Southeast), Edo (Niger Delta), Kano (Northwest), and Kogi (North Central). Due to resource constraints, the research concentrated on urban areas, leaving rural communities to depend primarily on streams, rivers, or private vendors for their water needs.
In Enugu, while prior administrations allocated significant funds for water infrastructure expansion, the outcomes have been lackluster. However, the coalition noted that the current administration is active in constructing new pipelines to serve city residents, although many continue to rely on boreholes and private vendors, exposing them to inflated costs and health risks due to inadequate water quality.
The coalition’s findings underscore the urgent need for the Nigerian government to prioritize sustainable funding for water utilities to combat widespread scarcity. Their report highlights both the regional disparities in water access and the ongoing struggles faced by citizens, particularly in urban and rural areas. Without concerted efforts and effective governance, water insecurity in Nigeria is likely to persist.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
