This disclosure was made by Dr. Wilfred Hundertmark, Senior Irrigation and Drainage Specialist at the Bank, during the opening of the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Dr. Hundertmark introduced a draft proposal titled “Water Security Strategic Framework for Nigeria 2026–2040”, highlighting the urgent need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure.
Economic Impact of Poor Sanitation:
Poor sanitation is a significant drain on Nigeria's economy, costing ₦455 billion annually, which translates to $20 per person or about 1.3% of the national GDP. The country has also faced severe flooding, particularly in 2012 and 2022, with the 2022 floods alone causing damages amounting to $6.681 billion. Furthermore, 23% of water facilities in Nigeria fail within their first year of operation (WASHNORM 2022).
Food Security Challenges:
In 2020, around 79% of Nigerian farmers were affected by drought and flooding (SBMIntel), contributing to a rise in food imports, which surged to $4.57 billion in 2016. Additionally, less than 2% of Nigeria’s agricultural land is irrigated.
Vision for Water Security:
Dr. Hundertmark outlined a vision for water security in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of integrated water resource management (IWRM) and the development of resilient water systems suited to local conditions. Key components of this vision include:
Professionally managed water systems designed to provide essential services.
Adequate institutional arrangements with clear responsibilities across federal, state, and local levels.
Investments in advanced water storage, resilient management systems, and strong institutions to mitigate climate-related risks and environmental degradation.
Benefits of Effective Water Management:
A well-managed water system can lead to improved public health, enhanced irrigation for food security, a more reliable electricity supply, and protection against climate risks.
Funding and Investment:
Dr. Hundertmark also emphasized the need for transparent and accessible funding mechanisms to support investments in water infrastructure. These investments are critical to ensuring sustainable water security for Nigeria.
The session underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to address the interconnected challenges of water security, food insecurity, and the economic burden of inadequate sanitation.
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