Nigeria Must Harmonise Water and Sanitation Needs To Achieve SDG6
Yasir Jamal Bakare (Lead Writer)
As Nigeria strives to ensure the availability of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6) in less than six years from now, the Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) sector has become a key area requiring innovative strategies and concerted efforts.
While ensuring clean water often takes centre stage receiving more attention from the development actors — which is important — the most significant gains in improving health and living standards are realised when sanitation improvements are made alongside access to clean water.
For instance, an analysis conducted by WaterAid in Bauchi and Lagos states revealed a stark contrast in access to water and sanitation. In Bauchi, basic access to water stands at 67%, while access to sanitation is at 60%. In Lagos, basic access to water stands at 96%, yet sanitation access lags at 62%. These figures highlight the disparity between water and sanitation investments.
There are still significant gaps in broad access to WASH in Nigeria. According to the World Bank, approximately 60 million Nigerians do not have access to clean water, while more than 80 million lack access to essential sanitation facilities. Rural communities, who often rely on contaminated water sources and lack basic sanitation amenities, face a well-known and ongoing crisis, with many areas still struggling to access even the most basic services for health and hygiene.
Many barriers are hindering the progress made in addressing these issues, including climate change, which exacerbates the challenges faced by many communities.
Impact of climate change on WASH services.
One may be wondering, “What has WASH got to do with climate change?” According to studies, climate change is the most significant challenge of the 21st century, presenting threats to WASH facilities globally. Climate shocks such as rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are contaminating water sources and damaging sanitation infrastructure.
Nigeria has total water resources of 215 billion cubic metres of surface water and 88 billion cubic metres of groundwater. However, it is predicted that temperature changes could result in about 20% annual run-off. Groundwater levels are also predicted to lessen by 20 metres in 2030.
In the coastal regions of Lagos and the Niger Delta region, rising sea levels and flooding are contaminating freshwater sources, making clean water even more scarce.
Despite these threats, innovative technologies are offering hope to many communities. One of such is the establishment of solar-powered water pumps that are being deployed in remote villages, providing a reliable and sustainable source of clean water. These pumps powered by sunlight eliminate the need for long journeys on foot to get water.
Some strides made to achieve WASH for all
- Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
The Nigerian government –recognising the need for collaboration to achieve WASH goals — has fostered alliances with private companies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and international organisations. Some of them among many others include the Effective Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services (E-WASH) and the National Urban Water Sector Reform Programme (NUWSRP).
The E-WASH programme, an initiative funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) aims to improve the delivery, and availability of clean water and sanitation in 500,000 Nigerian households in urban poor neighbourhoods, by boosting the productivity and efficiency of State Water Boards (SWBs).
The USAID E-WASH programme adopted a four-pronged approach to improving the viability of SWBs, which has since then led to achieving five new overarching state water laws passed for the first time covering State Water Corporation (SWC).
The NUWSRP was also designed to fill the gaps which have limited the access to safe and portable water and hygiene facilities across Nigeria. Achievements recorded through the NUWSRP programme includes the construction of 6,546 sanitation compartments and hygiene facilities, 2,300 water points and the certification of a total of 33 Local Government Areas within nine states as Open Defecation Free (ODF), across the country.
- Community-Led Initiatives and Behavioural Change
Community-led initiatives are also empowering Nigerians to take charge of their WASH needs.In Old Kutunku, a community in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, a partnership between Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and Reckitt Dettol Hygiene Quest focused on promoting proper hand hygiene through community engagement. The approach emphasised the importance of proper handwashing, particularly the need to use soap and clean running water, which led to a noticeable shift in behaviour. Community members, especially children became active advocates for proper hygienic practices, demonstrating the power of community engagement in driving positive change towards healthier living.
Financing WASH for improvements
The financial requirements for WASH are substantial. To meet WASH needs for all, the Nigerian government must invest approximately $11 billion annually in basic WASH facilities, which is about 2.5% of Nigeria’s current GDP. This investment represents a substantial increase from the current expenditure of $9 billion, which is insufficient to address the growing demand for clean water and sanitation across the country.
However, with support from international donors, the Nigerian government is increasing its budget allocation for WASH. The World Bank Group through the Nigeria Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme aims to deliver basic drinking water to 6 million people. It also aims to improve sanitation facilities for 1.4 million people enhance WASH services in 2,000 schools and healthcare facilities and help 500 communities be Open Defecation Free status. These efforts are crucial for scaling up successful initiatives and reaching the most vulnerable populations.
Policy and governance for sustainable WASH
The federal government has made commendable progress, developing the Partnership for Expanded WASH (PEWASH) policy 2016–2030 followed by the National Action Plan (NAP) for the revitalisation of the WASH sector, to end open defecation and ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.
However, policy implementation remains a challenge. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and ensuring accountability at all levels of government are critical steps towards achieving these goals. Regular monitoring and evaluation of WASH projects will also ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Breaking barriers to clean water and sanitation in Nigeria may be a complex but achievable goal. Through innovative technologies, strengthened partnerships, community engagement, and effective governance, Nigeria can overcome its WASH challenges and secure a healthier future for its people.
