By Abbas Nazil
Experts at the Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja have raised alarms over the increasing threats to water quality in Nigerian cities, highlighting rapid urbanisation, pollution, and climate-related factors as major contributors.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasised that flooding, drought, pollution, and urban expansion are placing significant pressure on both water quantity and quality.
He stressed that effective water management requires an integrated and climate-resilient approach, combining policy, science, and community engagement to safeguard Nigeria’s water resources.
Prof. Utsev described the conference as a critical national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society organisations.
He called for stronger partnerships and science-based strategies to tackle emerging threats affecting both surface and groundwater systems, which are vital for public health and socio-economic development.
Speaking at the event, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, reiterated the company’s commitment to water stewardship and sustainable practices, highlighting collaborative efforts with government and non-governmental partners.
Uwadoka also pointed to the launch of the National Water Quality Handbook, developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and OPS-WASH, as a practical tool to strengthen standards and promote best practices across the water sector.
The conference, organised with partners including SURWASH, UNICEF, WaterAid, Nestlé Nigeria, OPS-WASH, and the Society for Family Health, aimed to address critical issues such as access to clean water, climate impacts on water quality, and contamination risks.
Speakers advocated the adoption of “One Health” approaches to link human, animal, and environmental health, and called for strategies to build resilience against water pollution and shortages.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for comprehensive planning, improved regulatory oversight, and community engagement to ensure sustainable water resources in Abuja and other rapidly growing Nigerian cities.
Experts warned that failure to address these challenges could compromise public health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability, urging coordinated action across sectors and levels of government.
The event highlighted the importance of innovation, policy alignment, and investment in infrastructure to meet the growing demand for safe and reliable water supply in the face of urbanisation and climate change pressures.