The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has raised concerns over dangerous levels of water contamination in Lagos, Kogi, and Kebbi states, urging urgent action to protect public health and ensure safe water access.
NiHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammad, disclosed the findings during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Mohammad, the agency’s Water Quality, Flood Assessment, and Validation Report detected high levels of heavy metals, microbial pollutants, and physical contaminants in groundwater and wells across the three states.
“The findings follow recent flooding events that have heightened water safety risks,” he said.
In Lagos, excessive levels of nitrite, fluoride, lead, and cadmium were recorded, along with significant microbial contamination. Mohammad attributed the pollutants to industrial discharge, sewage infiltration, waste leaching, and the corrosion of aging plumbing systems.
He warned that these contaminants could cause neurological damage from lead, kidney problems from cadmium, blue-baby syndrome from nitrites, and bone and dental deformities from fluoride. Floodwater intrusion and damaged drainage systems further increase exposure and public health risks.
In Kogi, groundwater samples showed lead concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 0.56 milligrams per liter, accompanied by microbial contamination, including E. coli, Streptococcus, and Salmonella. “These conditions could lead to poisoning, cognitive impairment, and waterborne diseases if left unaddressed,” Mohammad said.
In Kebbi, several local government areas recorded arsenic levels between 0.75 and 4 milligrams per liter in well water, along with high microbial loads. Long-term exposure could result in arsenicosis, liver damage, and severe intestinal infections.
Mohammad urged state governments and relevant agencies to take immediate measures to reduce contamination, strengthen public sensitization, and ensure access to safe drinking water. He highlighted that NiHSA’s forecasts, water-quality updates, drought outlooks, and flood assessment reports provide actionable information for governments, communities, and emergency responders.
“In a country where the North often faces drought while the South battles flooding, NiHSA’s work is critical for saving lives and enhancing national preparedness and resilience,” he said.
Mr. Sunday Husseini, Acting Director of Hydrogeophysics at NiHSA, added that the agency has shared its findings with the Lagos, Kogi, and Kebbi state governments. Kebbi has agreed to collaborate on a comprehensive study to identify heavy metal contamination hotspots and integrate water treatment facilities into existing supply schemes. Similar engagements are ongoing with Lagos and Kogi.
Husseini also noted that NiHSA is developing hydrological regulations to reduce disaster risks and improve the management of water quality, availability, and distribution. “Integrating water quality monitoring with flood forecasts strengthens national resilience and ensures Nigeria does not face disasters blindly,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to heed official warnings, adopt safe water practices, and cooperate with authorities to reduce risks and protect public health.
