Averting Water Crisis in Nigeria Through Sustainable Management…

The water crisis in Nigeria is escalating due to inadequate infrastructure and rising population demands, despite abundant resources. Millions lack access to safe drinking water, necessitating a focus on sustainable management and infrastructure improvements. The government has allocated significant funds to enhance water supply and is exploring partnerships for better resource management, but regulatory challenges remain.

Water is an essential resource, facing significant threats from climate change and human activities. In Nigeria, it is crucial for growth in agriculture, industry, public health, and national security. Despite having abundant water resources, millions of Nigerians lack access to clean water, highlighting a dire need for effective management and sustainable solutions.

Previous UN Secretaries-General have forecast dire implications related to water scarcity. Boutros Boutros-Ghali emphasized potential conflicts over water resources, while Kofi Annan warned that competition for fresh water might lead to future conflicts. Ban Ki Moon further noted that water scarcity could jeopardize progress in economic and social sectors.

Nigeria possesses a diverse array of water sources, yet infrastructure shortcomings and a rapidly growing population have created disparities in access. The unreliable public water system has forced many, including Abuja residents, to rely on private boreholes, causing concern over the depletion of underground water reserves.

UNICEF’s 2024 report indicates that approximately 70 million Nigerians lack safe drinking water. Many households have been driven to install boreholes due to the unreliability of the public water supply while regulations fail to adequately govern this drilling, leading to questions about long-term groundwater sustainability.

In cities like Lagos, where water shortages are prevalent despite proximity to water bodies, reliance on bottled water is indicative of the broader crisis. The FCT Water Board aims to enhance water supply in Abuja, with a notable budget allocation of ₦9 billion for 2024 earmarked for water treatment and operational costs.

The ongoing Greater Abuja Water Project seeks to extend clean water access to various districts. The FCT Water Board is also considering the introduction of prepaid water meters to address billing inefficiencies, resulting in increased monthly revenue.

Efforts are underway to improve rural water access, with 192 water supply schemes currently in construction. However, the exact budget details for 2025 remain undisclosed as the overall national budget is approved at ₦54.99 trillion, including allocations for various sectors.

The National Water Policy (NWP) emphasizes integrated management of water resources, advocating for collaboration among government, private sectors, and communities. However, enforcement of groundwater regulation remains weak, as evidenced by widespread borehole drilling in residential areas, which may lead to depletion of resources.

Comparisons with countries like India and Kenya highlight successful regulation practices for borehole drilling. In particular, Kenya’s strict licensing laws can serve as a model for Nigeria. Many Nigerians rely on surface water sources, despite contamination risks, exacerbating health issues such as cholera and typhoid.

The absence of clear guidelines on borehole drilling poses significant challenges. The lack of enforcement of the NWP allows for rampant drilling, raising concerns of water quality and quantity. The Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria, through its president, has called for a more structured regulatory approach.

Experts advocate for investment in modern water infrastructure rather than additional boreholes. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources has submitted a budget proposal of ₦211.79 billion for 2025 to improve water supply, sanitation, and irrigation projects, emphasizing the urgency for strategic water management to meet the needs of an expanding population.

In conclusion, as Nigeria’s population is expected to grow significantly by 2050, the challenge of ensuring sustainable water access will intensify. Stakeholders must prioritize effective management, equitable distribution of resources, and long-term security to avert a future water crisis.

The article underscores the critical water crisis in Nigeria, revealing a gap in access to clean water despite abundant resources. With increasing population demands, effective management and sustainable practices are imperative to ensure water security. The government’s emphasis on infrastructure improvement and regulatory frameworks is essential for addressing the ongoing challenges and safeguarding this vital resource for future generations.

Original Source: nannews.ng