LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-In 2022, a report by the World Bank showed that approximately 70 million Nigerians had no access to basic drinking water services and 114 million were without basic sanitation facilities in 2021.
The report also noted that access to piped water declined from 36 per cent in 1990 to 11 per cent in 2021 adding that an estimated 19 per cent of Nigerians practiced open defecation in 2020, and faecal sludge is commonly released untreated into the environment.
Currently, Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers (NIWE) have said about 179 million Nigerians do not have access to safely managed drinking water services.
The body also disclosed that about 67% of Nigerian population does not have access to basic water supply.
It is estimated that over 100 million Nigerians still lack basic sanitation facilities.
According to Dr Ibeauchi Chinasa, a general health practitioner, access to basic drinking water means getting water from an improved source that is accessible at home, available when needed, and free from faecal and chemical contamination.
He said poor access to safe drinking water leads to several diseases, mainly diarrhea diseases adding that the burden of these diseases is high in Nigeria and responsible for a significant number of deaths.
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“To improve the situation everyone has a role to play. At the household level, people should make an effort to have access to water through various water sources and treat the water at home for safety,” Chinasa said.
Children At Risk Too
According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) analysis, 78 million children in Nigeria are at the highest risk from a convergence of three water-related threats – inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); related diseases; and climate hazards.
In Nigeria, one-third of children do not have access to at least basic water at home, and two-thirds do not have basic sanitation services. Hand hygiene is also limited, with three-quarters of children unable to wash their hands due to lack of water and soap at home. As a result, Nigeria is one of the 10 countries that carry the heaviest burden of child deaths from diseases caused by inadequate WASH, such as diarrhea diseases.
Climate Change
Researches have also shown that Nigeria ranks second out of 163 countries globally with the highest risk of exposure to climate and environmental threats. Groundwater levels are also dropping, requiring some communities to dig wells twice as deep as just a decade ago. At the same time, rainfall has become more erratic and intense, leading to floods that contaminate scarce water supplies.
This is why there is a call for rapid scaling-up investment in the sector, including from global climate financing, strengthen climate resilience in the WASH sector and communities, increase effective and accountable systems, coordination, and capacities to provide water and sanitation services, and implement the UN-Water SDG6 Global Acceleration Framework.
Companies like Nestle Nigeria are now investing in climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene services to protect health in their host communities and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
During the 2024 World Water Day, Nestlé Nigeria joined forces with the Ogun State Government and the Ogun-Osun Water Basin Authority to host an event in Abeokuta, aimed at shedding light on the significance of water conservation and responsible water management practices.
Under the theme “Water for Peace,” the gathering emphasised the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in driving collective action towards a water-secure future.
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With a longstanding commitment to sustainable water practices, Nestlé Nigeria has successfully implemented various initiatives that significantly reduce water consumption across its operations. Over the past three years, the company achieved an impressive reduction of 48,898 m3 in water usage, showcasing its dedication to sustainable water stewardship.
CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, who spoke during the event expressed his enthusiasm regarding the collaboration.
He said they are delighted to partner with the Ogun State Government to champion sustainable water practices on World Water Day 2024. “Water is a precious resource, and it is our collective responsibility to protect and conserve it. Through this collaboration, we aim to make a positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve,” he said.
The Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka reiterated Nestle’s commitment to protecting water resources.
She highlighted the implementation of water-saving measures, resulting in substantial water savings, and emphasised engagement efforts with local communities and stakeholders.
Uwadoka emphasised the shared responsibility to protect and conserve water, underscoring the importance of community collaboration.
She noted that Nestlé Nigeria plans to expand its efforts in promoting sustainable water practices through its partnership with the Ogun State Government. “The focus will be on raising awareness about water conservation, educating communities on responsible water usage, and implementing initiatives to improve water access and quality.
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“As Nestlé Nigeria sets the standard for sustainable water stewardship our actions serve as a shining example of the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and community engagement. With their ongoing efforts, the company is forging a path towards a water-secure future in Nigeria.”
Commissioner for Environment, Ogun State, Hon. Ola Oresanya while addressing those present stressed that the responsibility for leveraging water for peace extends beyond government alone.
He called for cooperation among all stakeholders, including relevant agencies, industrial and commercial facilities, academia, investors, drillers, and individuals at all levels, to work together to ensure water resources are managed effectively, fostering cooperation and harmony.