By Abbas Nazil
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has sounded an urgent warning that water could soon become Nigeria’s most valuable resource, surpassing even oil, gas, and solid minerals.
This stark caution was issued by UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Christiane Munduate, during a press interview in Sokoto on Thursday, January 23.,
She highlighted the critical need for immediate action to combat environmental challenges and the worsening effects of climate change, which are threatening water availability across the country.
Munduate stressed that without decisive measures from authorities, water scarcity could become a widespread crisis in Nigerian communities.
Environmental degradation and poor waste management practices, she noted, are exacerbating the problem.
In particular, the rampant disposal of plastic and polythene materials has severely harmed ecosystems, contributing to dwindling water supplies.
To address these issues, the UNICEF official urged the enforcement of existing laws aimed at regulating the use and disposal of harmful materials.
According to Munduate, water’s future economic and social significance in Nigeria cannot be overstated. “In Nigeria, water will become the most precious commodity or product in the future.
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This will surpass the current value of solid minerals, oil, and gas resources,” she warned. Her remarks underline the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure that communities do not suffer from acute water shortages.
The indiscriminate sinking of boreholes was also highlighted as a major contributor to climate change’s worsening impacts.
Munduate expressed concern about this practice, explaining that it depletes groundwater resources and disrupts natural water cycles, further intensifying the scarcity issue.
She called for better regulation of borehole drilling activities to mitigate these adverse effects.
Beyond environmental concerns, Munduate emphasized the broader implications of water scarcity for public health and disease prevention.
She urged governments at all levels to prioritize the provision of clean water to citizens, highlighting its essential role in improving sanitation, reducing the spread of waterborne diseases, and promoting overall public health.
Munduate’s visit to Nigeria’s North West region underscores UNICEF’s commitment to addressing these pressing challenges.
Her call to action serves as a reminder that water scarcity is not just an environmental issue but a public health and economic concern that demands immediate attention.
Without prompt and coordinated effort, Nigeria risks facing a future where water becomes a highly sought-after and limited resource, jeopardizing the well-being of millions.
