Nigeria faces a profound water crisis, with millions lacking access to clean water despite vast resources. Poor infrastructure, population growth, and insufficient regulation have led to severe shortages. The government aims to improve supply through strategic investments and enhanced regulation, yet challenges remain in achieving sustainable water access for all citizens. Experts emphasize the need for modern infrastructure and effective resource management to address these issues.
Water is an essential resource facing significant threats arising from climate change and human misuse, which jeopardizes human survival. In Nigeria, water is crucial for economic growth, agricultural productivity, industrial development, public health, national security, and environmental sustainability. Despite comprising over 71 percent of the Earth’s surface, concerns about the future of potable water have become increasingly urgent, as evidenced by alarming forecasts from former United Nations Secretary Generals about potential conflicts over water resources.
Nigeria is endowed with vast water resources, estimated at 359 billion cubic meters, yet millions lack access to clean water. The failure of infrastructure, weak regulatory frameworks, and population growth have resulted in an inconsistent water supply, compelling many communities to rely on alternatives. The situation is epitomized in Abuja, where residents frequently resort to boreholes, which, while providing immediate relief, may threaten long-term water availability due to excessive extraction.
A 2024 UNICEF report reveals that approximately 70 million Nigerians do not have access to safe drinking water, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where public water systems fail to meet demand. Consequently, private boreholes are becoming the norm due to the unreliability of public supply. However, unregulated drilling raises serious concerns about sustainability and water quality, as groundwater reserves face depletion.
The WHO asserts that individuals require a minimum of 50 liters of water daily for essential needs, yet many Nigerians struggle to obtain even half that amount. In urban areas like Lagos, despite being surrounded by water, the bottled water market flourishes, illustrating the severity of inadequacies in public supply. The responsibility to provide water is constitutionally shared among federal, state, local governments, and private entities, though inefficiencies persist.
The FCT administration has allocated ₦9 billion to improve water services in Abuja, with significant funding focused on infrastructure and strategic projects like the Greater Abuja Water Project, designed to extend potable water access to diverse districts. The board is also exploring public-private partnerships to enhance billing efficiency, which has already led to increased revenue.
Efforts are underway in rural areas as well, with the construction of numerous water supply schemes. Although Nigeria has established the National Water Policy to ensure proper management of water resources, enforcement remains a challenge, particularly regarding the regulation of borehole drilling practices.
As communities face escalating water challenges, potential lessons can be gleaned from countries like India and Kenya, where regulatory measures effectively mitigated similar issues. Many Nigerians currently rely on rivers, streams, and rainwater, despite contamination issues stemming from industrial activities and pollution.
Absence of clear guidelines for borehole drilling exacerbates water challenges; the National Water Policy mandates regulated borehole installation, yet enforcement is lacking. The Borehole Drillers Association has raised concerns about the consequences of unregulated drilling practices, emphasizing a need for structured oversight.
Experts advocate that rather than defaulting to unchecked borehole drilling, the government should prioritize investment in modern water infrastructure. Proposed funding for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for 2025 aims to address critical areas such as water supply and sanitation. As Nigeria’s population steadily increases, structured water management policies must ensure sustainable access to clean water for all citizens.
In conclusion, Nigeria contends with a severe water crisis exacerbated by poor infrastructure, inadequate regulation, and increasing population pressures. Though the nation possesses substantial water resources, millions remain without access to clean water. Sustainable solutions, such as enhanced regulatory frameworks, modern infrastructure investments, and effective resource management, are imperative to avert future crises. Collaboration across government and private sectors is essential to secure the integrity and availability of water, ensuring the well-being of communities as population demands rise.
Original Source: nannews.ng
