'Third of Nigerians Don't Have Access to a Basic Supply of Water'

A UNICEF report shows that Nigeria is still one of the top three countries globally in terms of the number of people living without safe water and sanitation. It adds that only 68% of the Nigerian population have access to a basic water supply, 19% use safely managed sanitation facilities and 24% practise open defecation, reports Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, Chikodiri Nwangwu, and Kelechi Elijah Nnamani for The Conversation Africa.

Unsafe water and poor sanitation and hygiene are some of the major causes of Nigeria's high rates of mortality and morbidity among children under five. They increase vulnerability to water-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea.

Although efforts have been made to reform public procurement processes in Nigeria to ensure transparency and accountability, challenges persist in the water and sanitation sector. A study highlighted how procurement regulations have been undermined, leading to the deteriorating state of sanitation facilities in the country. The study analysed data from UNICEF-funded sanitation projects in selected local government areas and revealed instances of manipulation, sub-contracting, and diversion of funds within the procurement process.

The study suggests reforms to improve fairness, value for money, and service delivery in the water and sanitation sector in Nigeria.