Daud Olatunji
In a startling revelation, the World Bank Group has disclosed that Nigeria incurs an annual economic loss of ₦455 billion due to poor sanitation practices.
This staggering figure, equivalent to approximately $3 billion, underscores a critical issue highlighted during 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, delivered this revelation during the technical session’s opening.
He presented a draft proposal titled “Water Security Strategic Framework for Nigeria 2026–2040,” emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced water and sanitation infrastructure across the country.
The economic impact of inadequate sanitation is profound, translating to ₦455 billion annually, or about $20 per person, constituting approximately 1.3% of Nigeria’s GDP.
Dr. Hundertmark further highlighted the broader implications of poor sanitation, citing the devastating floods of 2012 and 2022, which collectively cost the nation $6.681 billion.
Additionally, failures in water facilities within their first year of operation remain a significant challenge, with 23% reported under the WASHNORM 2022 assessment.
Amidst these challenges, Nigeria’s agricultural sector has been severely affected, with 79% of farmers experiencing disruptions from droughts and floods in 2020 alone, according to SBMIntel.
The consequent increase in food imports, which surged to $4.57 billion in 2016, underscores the urgent need for resilient water management and infrastructure.
Dr. Hundertmark outlined a comprehensive vision for achieving water security, emphasizing integrated water resource management (IWRM) and the development of robust, locally tailored water systems.
Key components of this strategy include professionally managed water services, strengthened institutional frameworks at federal, state, and local levels, and substantial investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.
The benefits of effective water management are multifaceted, including improved public health outcomes, enhanced agricultural productivity through reliable irrigation, more stable electricity supply, and increased resilience against climate-related risks and environmental degradation.
Critical to achieving these goals is the establishment of transparent and accessible funding mechanisms.
Dr. Hundertmark stressed the necessity for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to address the intertwined challenges of water security, food insecurity, and the economic burdens caused by inadequate sanitation.
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