As climate change continues to intensify across Nigeria, WaterAid Nigeria has sounded the alarm over its devastating impact on the country’s fragile Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems. The organization is calling for urgent policy reforms and targeted investments to protect public health and ensure continued access to essential services for millions.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Conference on WASH in Climate Change, held in Abuja, Mrs. Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, said climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is now a daily reality affecting communities across the country.
“From the floods in Bayelsa to saline intrusion in Lagos, the evidence is clear—our WASH infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable,” Mere stated.
According to the 2021 WASHNORM Survey, only 67% of Nigerians have access to basic water supply, while just 46% enjoy access to basic sanitation. This leaves millions at risk of preventable diseases, exacerbated by climate-induced disruptions.
Themed “Strengthening Policies and Investments for Climate Resilient WASH Services,” this year’s conference emphasized the need for forward-looking policies. Mere noted that proactive planning—not reactive emergency response—is essential to safeguarding vulnerable communities.
“Policies are the foundation of any effective response. Without them, we are just reacting to disasters instead of preparing for them,” she said.
WaterAid Nigeria has already begun implementing climate resilience in WASH initiatives through the establishment of a Technical Working Group, infrastructure assessments, and model designs for climate-resilient systems. This includes solar-powered and nature-based solutions and vulnerability assessments in states like Bauchi and Lagos.
“True resilience means systems that can anticipate, adapt, and recover from shocks—while ensuring no one is left behind,” Mere emphasized.
The conference is expected to produce a sector-wide action plan, focusing on inter-agency collaboration, policy integration, and innovative financing models to scale climate-resilient WASH solutions nationwide.
“This is not just a conference for speeches—it’s a platform for action. The climate crisis is already here. Our people cannot wait,” she concluded.
