The staggering economic impact of poor sanitation in Nigeria has been laid bare by the World Bank Group, revealing an annual loss of ₦455 billion ($3 billion).
This revelation underscores the urgent need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Wilfred Hundertmark, the World Bank’s Senior Irrigation and Drainage Specialist, presented a draft proposal titled “Water Security Strategic Framework for Nigeria 2026–2040.”
The Economic Cost of Poor Sanitation
Dr. Hundertmark highlighted the critical financial burden poor sanitation imposes on Nigeria:
Poor sanitation costs the nation ₦455 billion annually, equating to $20 per person or 1.3% of the GDP.
Recent floods in 2022 alone resulted in damages worth $6.681 billion, adding to the strain on Nigeria’s economy.
Alarmingly, 23% of water facilities fail within their first year of operation, according to the 2022 WASHNORM report.
Food Security at Risk
Nigeria’s agricultural sector is heavily affected by poor water management, with 79% of farmers impacted by drought and flooding in 2020. Dr. Hundertmark stressed the following:
Food imports have skyrocketed, hitting $4.57 billion in 2016.
Only 2% of farmland is irrigated, leaving the country vulnerable to food shortages.
A Vision for Sustainable Water Security
Dr. Hundertmark outlined a roadmap for ensuring water security in Nigeria, emphasizing integrated water resource management (IWRM). The proposed strategy includes:
Professionally managed water systems to deliver essential services.
Clear institutional roles across federal, state, and local governments.
Investments in advanced water storage systems, resilient infrastructure, and climate adaptation measures.
The Benefits of Improved Water Management
By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can unlock numerous benefits, including:
Enhanced public health and sanitation.
Stabilized food supplies through improved irrigation.
Better electricity supply from efficient water systems.
Protection against climate-induced risks.
Dr. Hundertmark emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders and transparent funding mechanisms to make water security a reality in Nigeria.
He called for immediate action to reduce the economic burden, improve food security, and safeguard the environment.
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