By Abdullahi Lukman
More than 90 percent of Nigerians lack access to complete basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, according to the 2021 WASH NORM report released by UNICEF.
The alarming statistics were presented by UNICEF WASH Specialist, Monday Johnson, during a two-day media dialogue themed “Accelerating Actions to Improve Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Nigeria” held in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Information.
Johnson revealed that only 10 percent of Nigeria’s population has access to complete basic WASH services, based on global Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) definitions.
He warned that rapid population growth, poor infrastructure, and inadequate government investment are worsening the country’s WASH crisis, especially in urban areas.
“More people are moving into cities, putting immense pressure on already overstretched water and sanitation systems,” Johnson said, cautioning that the projected population increase by 2050 could further cripple access to clean water and sanitation if urgent measures are not taken.
The UNICEF official noted that people in rural areas remain three times more disadvantaged than their urban counterparts and urged state governments to emulate Ekiti State, which has an updated WASH policy.
He emphasized that access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right and vital for public health.
Johnson called for stronger government action, including increased funding, private sector engagement, and enforcement of policies requiring public facilities—such as markets, filling stations, and motor parks—to provide clean water and sanitation.
The specialist also recommended establishing an Urban Sanitation Coordination Unit within relevant ministries to institutionalize planning and budgeting, integrate sanitation into state development plans, and build the capacity of sanitation officers and private operators.
He urged state governments to update and implement their WASH policies and adopt full-chain sanitation models to ensure sustainable access to clean water and hygiene for all Nigerians.
