A coalition of water justice groups has attributed Nigeria’s water shortage to insufficient funding of water utilities. Their report calls for government action to address this issue, highlighting poor conditions in various states and the reliance of rural communities on inadequate water sources.
As Nigeria approaches World Water Day 2025, a coalition of water justice organizations attributes the ongoing water shortage in the country to inadequate funding. The coalition released a report highlighting the urgent need for the Nigerian government to improve financial support for water utilities nationwide.
The report, titled “Dry Taps: A Damning Verdict on the State of Water Utilities in Nigeria,” summarizes the conditions of waterworks in Enugu, Lagos, Oyo, Kogi, Edo, and Kano States. This assessment was conducted by seven organizations, including the New Life Community Care Initiative (NELCCI) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Service Employees (AUPCTRE).
Executive Director of NELCCI, Florence Ifeanyi-Aneke, emphasized the report’s aim to prompt state authorities to fulfill their obligations in providing clean and affordable water. She remarked on the disturbing findings that highlight the need for urgent action.
Philip Jakpor, the Executive Director of RDI, asserted that the responsibility for the dire state of water services lies with the state and federal governments, which have failed to provide sustainable funding to prevent the privatization of water utilities.
Comrade Sikiru Waheed, AUPCTRE General Secretary, explained that while the research was limited to six states, it provides a representative overview of water access across Nigeria. The report addresses regions including Lagos, Oyo, Enugu, Edo, Kano, and Kogi.
Due to limitations in manpower and resources, the research focused on urban water concerns, acknowledging that rural communities—home to approximately 70 percent of the population—often rely on natural sources, boreholes, or costly private vendors for water.
The report also noted that, while previous government expenditures aimed at expanding water networks yielded minimal results, the current administration is reportedly working on new pipeline projects to connect city residents, although many still depend on boreholes and vendors, risking financial burden and health issues due to poor water quality.
In summary, the coalition of water justice groups has underscored the critical issue of water scarcity in Nigeria, primarily driven by inadequate funding from both state and federal governments. The report highlights the dire implications of persistent neglect and the urgent need for improved financial support for water utilities to ensure access to clean and safe water for all citizens, particularly in urban and rural areas.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
