Not a Drop to Drink: Addressing Nigeria’s Deepening Freshwater Crisis

Date

2025-06-07

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

MDPI

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

Nigeria is currently grappling with an acute freshwater crisis, characterized by a stark contradiction where abundant water resources coexist with a widespread lack of access to safe and reliable water. This study examines the complex interplay of factors driving this crisis. It highlights how climate change and the degradation of critical infrastructure and water management systems have significantly reduced the resilience of freshwater systems. This study draws on survey data to assess public perceptions of water scarcity and its causes, revealing a public consensus on the impacts and challenges of freshwater scarcity. This finding points to the pervasive nature of water insecurity in the surveyed population and suggests that reliable access to freshwater remains elusive for many. The findings emphasize the need for integrated, climate-resilient policies that include ecosystem restoration, infrastructure modernization, pollution control, and inclusive, community-based governance frameworks. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is essential not only for improving freshwater access but also for advancing public health, reducing conflict, and fostering sustainable development. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on water security in the Global South and outlines pathways for transformative water governance in Nigeria.

Description

open access article

Keywords

Climate Change, Fresh water crisis, Population growth, Sustainable Development growth

Citation

Irene, J., Irene, B. N., and Daniels, C. (2025) Not a Drop to Drink: Addressing Nigeria’s Deepening Freshwater Crisis. Water, 17 (12), 1731

Rights

Attribution 4.0 International
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Research Institute

Institute for Responsible Business and Social Justice