The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has cautioned that water may soon become a highly prized resource in Nigeria if urgent measures are not taken to address environmental challenges and mitigate climate change effects.
UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Christiane Munduate, issued the warning during a press briefing in Sokoto on Thursday. She stressed that the commodity’s scarcity looms over many communities in the country due to environmental degradation and poor waste management practices.
“Water will become the most precious commodity in Nigeria, surpassing the current value of solid minerals, oil, and gas,” Munduate stated.
According to her, the alarming rate at which improper waste disposal, particularly plastics and polythene materials, is harming the environment and exacerbating water scarcity. Munduate called on authorities to enforce existing regulations to curb indiscriminate plastic use and enhance waste management systems.
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Another pressing concern raised by the UNICEF official is the unregulated sinking of boreholes, which she said is depleting underground water resources and worsening the effects of climate change.
“Governments at all levels must prioritize the provision of clean and sustainable water sources to prevent diseases, improve public health, and secure the nation’s future,” she emphasized.
Munduate’s visit to the North West highlighted UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat climate challenges and safeguard the resources. She urged proactive steps to address the nation’s growing water crisis, emphasizing that water security is key to long-term socio-economic development.
Her message serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria to recognize water as an invaluable resource and take decisive action to protect it for future generations.
