“More people are moving into urban areas, thereby overstressing the available sanitation and hygiene facilities.”
Over 90 percent of Nigerians still lack access to complete basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, according to Vanguard reporting. The 2021 WASH NORM report, presented at a two-day media dialogue by UNICEF WASH Specialist Monday Johnson, described the situation as “alarming” and worsening due to weak infrastructure and poor government investment.
Johnson said only 10 percent of Nigerians have access to full WASH services, with rural residents “three times more disadvantaged than those in urban areas.” He warned that rapid urbanisation and population growth could cripple access to clean water by 2050 if urgent action is not taken.
He identified Ekiti as one of the few states with an updated WASH policy, urging others to follow suit. Johnson called for increased government funding, stronger policies, and private sector participation to close service gaps. He also recommended creating an Urban Sanitation Coordination Unit to drive policy implementation and ensure sustainable access to safe water and sanitation nationwide.