The article discusses the growing water crisis in Nigeria, exacerbated by climate change and poor infrastructure, affecting millions who lack access to clean water. Experts suggest sustainable solutions like investing in infrastructure and enforcing stricter regulations on borehole drilling to ensure long-term water security.
Water is an essential resource that is facing significant challenges due to climate change and human activity, resulting in a looming crisis both in Nigeria and globally. It plays a vital role in economic growth, agriculture, food security, industrial development, public health, national security, and environmental sustainability. Despite the abundance of water resources, millions of Nigerians still lack access to clean, safe water, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and rapid population growth.
Nigeria boasts vast natural water resources, such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, with a total estimated capacity of 359 billion cubic meters. However, inadequate public water systems and weak regulatory frameworks have left many communities dependent on unreliable alternative sources, such as boreholes, which are depleting underground water reserves. Urban areas, like Abuja, witness an increasing trend of residents drilling boreholes, creating concerns over long-term sustainability and water quality.
According to a UNICEF report, approximately 70 million Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water, particularly in urban areas where the distribution network is insufficient. Consequently, private boreholes have become a common remedy, but the indiscriminate drilling often bypasses regulatory measures, exacerbating the water crisis. Water scarcity in Nigeria contradicts its environmental potential, where poor management leads to both access issues and low-quality water.
Despite Nigeria’s constitutional distribution of water responsibilities among government tiers, the estimated demand for potable water remains unmet. Efforts to improve supply in Abuja include initiatives funded by the FCT administration, with a ₦9 billion allocation for the 2024 budget aimed at addressing challenges in water provision. The Greater Abuja Water Project is also underway to enhance access in multiple districts.
The National Water Policy (NWP) was introduced to advocate for sustainable water resource management through collaboration among government and private sectors. However, efficient groundwater regulation remains lacking, leading to over-extraction issues in communities with widespread borehole usage. The absence of strict guidelines further complicates the situation, as environmental and health concerns rise.
Numerous individuals rely on unregulated sources for daily water needs, yet many of these, such as rivers and rainwater, are often contaminated. UNICEF estimates show that one-third of Nigeria’s water sources are polluted, leading to health issues, including cholera. Addressing these challenges necessitates stricter enforcement of existing policies and guidelines governing borehole drilling.
Experts assert that investments in modern water infrastructure must be prioritized over widespread borehole drilling. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources is proposing significant investment for 2025 focused on enhancing water supply and sanitation initiatives. With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, effective management of water resources will be imperative for future sustainability, access, and crisis prevention.
In conclusion, the water crisis in Nigeria, although exacerbated by climate change and poor management, can be mitigated through sustainable solutions. Enhancing water infrastructure, enforcing stricter regulations on borehole drilling, and committing investments towards public water supply initiatives are crucial steps to ensure future access to safe water. As Nigeria’s population continues to grow, it is essential to underscore the significance of efficient water management policies to avert further crises.
Original Source: nannews.ng
