National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Nigeria is facing a staggering economic burden due to poor sanitation, with the World Bank Group revealing that the country loses a whopping ₦455 billion annually, equivalent to $3 billion.
This shocking figure was disclosed by Dr. Wilfred Hundertmark, the Bank’s Senior Irrigation and Drainage Specialist, during a recent meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The economic impact of poor sanitation in Nigeria is multifaceted.
According to the World Bank, poor sanitation costs Nigeria ₦455 billion annually, equivalent to $20 per person or 1.3% of the national GDP.
This is a staggering loss, especially considering that Nigeria experienced unprecedented flooding in 2012 and 2022, with the 2022 floods costing $6.681 billion.
Furthermore, the lack of access to improved sanitation facilities has severe consequences on the health and well-being of Nigerians. Approximately 79% of Nigerian farmers were affected by drought and flooding in 2020, resulting in significant losses to the agricultural sector.
Food imports have quadrupled over recent decades, reaching $4.57 billion in 2016, highlighting the need for improved irrigation systems and water management practices.
To address these challenges, Dr. Hundertmark emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to water security, including investments in advanced water storage, resilient management systems, and robust institutions.
He also stressed the importance of transparent and accessible funding mechanisms to support investments in water infrastructure.
The World Bank’s report highlights the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges of water security, food insecurity, and the economic burden of poor sanitation in Nigeria.
With the country’s population projected to continue growing, it is essential that the government and stakeholders take immediate action to address these pressing issues.
