The Federal Government has advised Nigerians to be cautious about where they get their drinking water from.....Read Full Article>>
It called for immediate and concerted efforts to tackle the nation’s worsening water crisis.
The government said there is an urgent need to protect drinking water sources and improve access to clean water and sanitation.
The Acting Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Mrs. Sakinatu Suleiman Abbo Jimeta, gave the caution at a workshop on: Access to Clean Water and Improved Sanitation: The Place of Regulation and Management yesterday in Abuja.
Mrs. Jimeta warned that over 57 per cent of Nigerians were forced to rely on untreated water sources, exposing them to serious health risks.
The executive director said climate change was worsening the situation, further straining the country’s already fragile water supply.
She stressed that it had become imperative for all stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s drinking water, not only for public health but also for economic growth and long-term sustainability.
Mrs. Jimeta said: “The protection of our water resources is central to supporting economic development, maintaining environmental integrity, and ensuring long-term water security.”
The commission’s boss highlighted the importance of regulation and management in the water sector, noting that without effective oversight, it would be difficult to guarantee access to clean water and improved sanitation for all Nigerians.
According to her, this issue is a fundamental human right that requires urgent attention.
“Our commission is committed to addressing these challenges and working with stakeholders to develop and implement stronger regulatory frameworks to protect water resources. As the population grows and climate change worsens, Nigeria’s water needs will become even more critical,” Mrs. Jimeta said.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from across the water sector, including government officials, water service providers, environmental experts, and international partners, to discuss best practices for water resource management.
The participants learnt more about the need for a collective approach to safeguarding the country’s water sources and ensuring equitable access to safe water and sanitation.
NIWRMC’s Director of Corporate Support Services, Mr. Sunday Idowu, also raised concerns about the dire health consequences of inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.
He said: “Our focus as a commission is to regulate, protect, and manage Nigeria’s water resources for sustainable development. The health risks associated with poor water quality and inadequate sanitation are immense, and addressing them is a top priority.”
He added that the Commission is working on several initiatives to enhance water safety and promote sustainable water management practices.
Experts, including Michael Ale and Kazeem Kolawole Raji, presented papers on the role of effective regulation in improving water access and sanitation.
They highlighted the importance of community involvement in water management, sustainable water usage practices, and the need for stronger collaboration between government and private sector players.
Ale said: “We must ensure that regulations are followed, that communities are aware of the importance of water conservation, and that investments are made to improve water systems.”
Raji echoed a similar view, warning that without adequate regulation and management, Nigeria’s water crisis would continue to deepen.
“We must act now to ensure that future generations have access to clean water. It is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of every sector,” he said.
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