In a bold move to combat waterborne diseases and ensure safer drinking water for millions, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled 12 state-of-the-art water quality reference laboratories across the country.
This groundbreaking initiative, announced during the inaugural Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja on February 25, 2025, marks a major leap in Nigeria’s battle against water contamination and poor sanitation.
A New Era in Water Quality Surveillance
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, highlighted that the laboratories were established under the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories and Monitoring Network Programme. These facilities are expected to revolutionize water testing, providing real-time data to tackle pollution and safeguard public health.
Utsev also unveiled the Freshwater Restoration and Source Water Protection Programme, aimed at preserving Nigeria’s critical water sources, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. He emphasized that access to safe water remains a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, accentuating the government’s commitment to innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
The Shocking Reality of Nigeria’s Water Crisis
Despite progress, a grim reality persists. According to the 2021 Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcomes Routine Monitoring (WASHNORM) Report, 67% of Nigerians have access to basic water supply services.
However, 25% still rely on unimproved or surface water sources, exposing them to life-threatening illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea.
Poor sanitation remains a pressing challenge, with open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal continuing to pollute vital water sources. Recognizing this, the government is leveraging cutting-edge technology and international collaborations to enhance water safety standards nationwide.
To further bolster water quality assurance, Nigeria has introduced:
- The Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality
- The Nigerian Standards for Ambient Water Quality
- The Upcoming Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality
Additionally, the Community Water Safety Plan has been launched, equipping rural communities with essential knowledge and tools to prevent water contamination. In another breakthrough, the ministry has begun producing hydrogen sulfide vials for microbial water quality assessment, currently being tested in UNICEF-supported states.
Alarming Statistics Call for Urgent Action
UNICEF WASH Manager, Mr. Chiranjibi Tiwari, delivered a stark warning: two-thirds of Nigeria’s water sources are contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella, posing severe health risks. He cited 2021 WASHNORM data, which reported 111,000 cholera cases and 3,600 deaths, with outbreaks even spreading to previously low-risk areas like Lagos.
Tiwari stressed that without swift intervention, water contamination could derail national progress and hinder President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He called for urgent, structured partnerships between development agencies, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities to develop household water treatment technologies and boost public awareness on safe water practices.
UNESCO and Experts Warn of Escalating Risks
UNESCO representative Dr. Enang Momah echoed these concerns, warning that unchecked water pollution could jeopardize health, food production, and economic stability. Industrial chemicals, untreated wastewater, and emerging pollutants—exacerbated by climate change—pose escalating threats to Nigeria’s water security.
Without improved monitoring and wastewater treatment, she cautioned, 4.8 billion people worldwide could face serious health risks by 2030. UNESCO pledged its support to Nigeria through its Intergovernmental Hydrology Programme (IHP), offering technical expertise to strengthen the country’s water safety framework.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to providing safe drinking water for all Nigerians. She stressed that ensuring clean water is not just a public health issue—it is an economic and environmental imperative.
“We all know that contaminated water is a major cause of deadly diseases like cholera and typhoid, which hinder socio-economic development. It is our collective responsibility to implement robust policies and innovative solutions to protect water sources,” she stated.
The conference featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including representatives from WaterAid, the Ministries of Health and Environment, and other development partners.
With these ambitious new initiatives and a strong call to action, Nigeria is making bold strides towards securing clean, safe, and accessible water for all. But the question remains: Will these efforts be enough to end the water crisis once and for all?
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