Water Woes Persist Across Nigeria Despite Budgetary Allocations

Access to safe, drinkable water remains a distant dream for countless Nigerian households, many of whom are not connected to public water services or face consistently dry taps. This situation persists despite billions of naira that state governments report spending on water infrastructure over the years. The ongoing issue forces many citizens to allocate a significant portion of their limited income towards purchasing water from vendors, while those in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to preventable health issues.

Water-borne illnesses like cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid fever are prevalent among thousands of families who are compelled to use unsafe water sources for their daily needs. Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reveals that between 2020 and 2024, at least 4,778 lives were lost to cholera, with over 300 deaths recorded by October 2025.

A 2022 report by the World Bank indicates that approximately 70 million Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water, and 114 million are without basic sanitation. This crisis is exacerbated by deteriorating infrastructure, leading to a sharp decline in piped water access from 36% in 1990 to just 11% in 2021.

Further compounding the problem, a report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) states that 70% of water is contaminated at the point of consumption, resulting in 117,000 child deaths annually in Nigeria due to water-related illnesses, the highest globally.

Findings from major states across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, indicate that despite substantial budget allocations to the water sector and grants from development partners like the World Bank, most residents still do not have access to safe drinking water.

In addition to budgetary provisions, funds have also been sourced from a $700 million loan from the World Bank, secured by the Federal Government under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities nationwide.

Persistent water scarcity is a significant concern for residents in Kano State. The state's estimated daily water demand stands at about 700 million litres, but current supply falls considerably short due to outdated infrastructure and inactive treatment plants. Although the state's 2026 budget allocated N40.2 billion to the water sector, details of this spending could not be independently verified.

Musbahu Sani, a Kano resident, has lived in his area for 15 years without public water supply, relying instead on solar-powered boreholes. He noted that while the government discusses buried pipes and water machines, actual supply remains absent in his neighbourhood.

Ado Fela, another resident, spends an average of N1,200 daily to purchase water from vendors, with a jerry can costing between N70 and N100. He described water scarcity as a persistent issue in his part of Kano.

Awwalu Fagge mentioned that their neighbourhood, despite its proximity to the Challawa treatment plant, only receives water when electricity is available. Yushau Abbas expressed disappointment that no new water treatment plants have been built, urging the state government to prioritize water provision.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reviewing the 2025 budget performance, stated that investments in the water sector aim to tackle long-standing water scarcity challenges and expand infrastructure to underserved rural areas.

In Borno State, Maiduguri residents are facing severe water shortages, particularly during hot weather. Many depend on costly water vendors or private boreholes owned by affluent individuals.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has initiated efforts to combat the scarcity by approving the rehabilitation and construction of boreholes, alongside converting lower aquifer boreholes to hybrid energy systems and building new upper aquifer ones. The 2026 budget for the state's Ministry of Water Resources is N21,353,536,000.

However, a review of parts of Maiduguri metropolis showed that only select areas are connected to the Maiduguri Water Treatment Plant. Areas like the old GRA, Shehuri North/South, and Wulari are connected and pay a nominal N300 monthly bill.

Areas such as the 1000 Housing Estate, Mai Mala Buni Estate, and new developments along Damaturu Road, along with other parts of the metropolis, are severely affected. Residents in these locations spend significant amounts daily on water from private vendors, often referred to as “Moya.”

Muhammad Bashir Bukar stated he spends approximately N21,000 monthly on water from vendors, with prices increasing during power outages.

Modu Zanna from 1000 Estate echoed these sentiments, noting that drilling a private borehole in the area can cost between N3 million and N5 million.

Engr. Ibrahim Mohammed, a water engineering expert, estimated that the Njimtilo axis alone requires about 1 million gallons of water daily, with limited access from the Borno State Water Corporation.

Lagos State, despite being surrounded by water, faces an intense water crisis. The estimated daily water demand is 720 million gallons, with only 10% of the population accessing public water supply.

A WASH report indicated that this crisis affects all areas of Lagos, but it is most acutely felt in high-density neighbourhoods like Ojota, Ketu, and Ajegunle, forcing residents to rely on expensive, often unregulated, private sources such as boreholes, wells, and water vendors.

Residents from Agboyi-Ketu LCDA reported relying on private boreholes, wells, and vendors, finding these options costly and sometimes unsafe. Mrs. Funke Adeyemi mentioned the high cost and occasional unreliability of these alternatives.

In Somolu and neighbouring communities, residents voiced frustration over persistent challenges in accessing safe and affordable water. Civil society groups highlighted the financial burden of depending on water vendors.

Some households have resorted to drilling boreholes, but the water is often saline, leading to skin irritation and the need for bottled or sachet water.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, recently stated that Lagos is pursuing strategic partnerships to address the water supply gap and enhance public access, aiming for universal access by 2027.

Mrs. Titilola Oridami-Bright from Lagos Water Corporation mentioned that the rehabilitation of Ojokoro Waterworks would benefit approximately 72,000 customers, expanding equitable water access.

In Rivers State, residents of Port Harcourt and other towns are experiencing a water shortage due to the state government's failure to provide adequate public water supply. Most rely on vendors and boreholes.

Despite efforts by successive governments to revive dormant State Water Corporation facilities, success has been limited. Many land areas suitable for water drilling are polluted, necessitating government intervention for supply.

Rivers State, with an estimated 9 million people, requires over 500 million gallons of water daily, a demand the government struggles to meet. Areas like Rumokoro, Rumuola, and Elelenwo have non-functioning water stations.

Tonye Victor from Rumokoro community stated that a gallon of water from vendors costs between N100 and N120. He also noted that landlords with boreholes often increase rent, making it unaffordable for low-income earners.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged his administration's commitment to upgrading water infrastructure and increasing access points to provide clean and potable water.

In Niger State, despite significant annual budgetary allocations for the water sector, residents face daily struggles for clean and affordable water. The 2026 budget includes N72,057,146,523.69 for water supply improvement.

However, residents in Minna and other major towns like Suleja report continued water scarcity. Ibrahim Mohammed of Minna stated his area received water from the state board only four times in nine months, costing him N2,000 weekly for water carts.

In the Bosso area of Minna, a dam serves over 10 communities as a primary water source, but it is exposed to contamination from animal access and open defecation.

During the dry season, wells dry up, and commercial borehole operators face challenges due to erratic power supply.

The Niger State Water and Sewage Corporation attributes water scarcity, particularly in Minna, to the vandalism of pumping facilities.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago acknowledged that water scarcity in Minna results from infrastructural decay and the city's population growth. He noted that major reservoirs have been without water for over a decade due to decay.

The government plans to replace pipelines, desilt the Tagwai dam, and create more reservoirs, while deploying water tankers in the interim. Collaboration with the World Bank is also underway for drilling boreholes.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is experiencing severe water shortages, especially in districts like Maitama, Asokoro, and Life Camp, as well as suburbs and area councils. Residents are forced to rely on vendors.

Public institutions, including foreign embassies and schools, have also been without water supply from the FCT Water Board for extended periods.

In local communities, residents trek long distances to fetch water from drying streams. In Gwagwa, Idu, and Jiwa, taps have been dry for over two weeks, necessitating the search for costly alternatives.

In the city centre, a cart of 10 jerry cans, formerly N800, now costs N2,000. Mrs. Ganiyat AbdulRasaq of Gwarinpa indicated that some households spend nearly N150,000 monthly on water.

A source at the FCT Water Board attributed the shortage at Usuma Dam treatment plant to a lack of treatment chemicals, and noted that the dam has not been dredged for years.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has pledged to expand the water network to satellite towns, directing the extension of ongoing projects to Zuba and other councils by 2027.