By Abbas Nazil
Access to safe and potable water remains a major challenge for millions of Nigerians despite the existence of water boards and ministries of water resources across the country.
In major cities, it is a common sight to witness young men pushing wheelbarrows filled with jerry cans in search of water.
Most urban residents now depend on private water vendors and boreholes for their daily needs, while those in rural communities — which make up about 70 percent of the population — rely heavily on streams, rivers, and other unsafe sources.
This widespread water scarcity persists in spite of the huge budgetary allocations to the water sector by both federal and state governments.
Every one of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory has a Water Board, and yet, potable water remains inaccessible to a significant portion of the population.
A recent report by Water Justice Groups, titled “Dry Taps: A Damning Verdict on the State of Water Utilities in Nigeria,” highlights the depth of the crisis.
The report, which focuses on six states across the country — Lagos, Oyo, Enugu, Edo, Kano, and Kogi — reveals that most mini or micro waterworks have either been shut down, neglected, or vandalized.
Even major waterworks operate far below their installed capacity due to poor maintenance and lack of funds.
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The study blames the parlous state of Nigeria’s public water supply on entrenched corruption and government apathy.
The low morale among workers in public water utilities reflects the disinterest of the authorities in ensuring consistent and quality water service delivery.
This is particularly alarming given that water is an essential resource for human survival and development.
The proliferation of private boreholes in virtually every household in Nigerian cities illustrates a disjointed and unsustainable approach to development and infrastructure planning.
Nigeria, blessed with abundant freshwater resources unlike many arid nations, has failed to leverage this advantage to provide its citizens with clean water.
The consequences are severe: widespread water-borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever continue to claim lives and reduce productivity.
This threatens not only public health but also the country’s ability to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6, which targets universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030.
To avert a full-scale crisis, there is an urgent need for a massive overhaul of the water sector. Government must prioritize investment in essential water infrastructure — including pipelines, pumps, and treatment facilities — and ensure accountability in the use of allocated funds.
Equally important is the involvement of civil society, communities, and the private sector in supporting water service delivery.
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of a healthy, thriving society. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore this ticking time bomb.
