FG seeks N1.9trn for water supply

The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled what it called a 12-month emergency plan to improve water supply and sanitation across the nation.

The government regretted that only seven percent of the urban cities enjoyed potable water supply presently.

Briefing State House reporters after a meeting of the National Economic Council presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Water Resources Minister Sulaiman Adamu said about N1.9trn was required for Nigeria’s target of portable water supply and sanitation in the next 15 years.

"From 1992, for instance, 30% of the Nigerian population was enjoying water supply through pipe-borne water which we could consider as adequate water in terms of quantity and quality.

"But today, probably only seven per cent or least of the urban cities as of 2015 had been enjoying urban water supply through pipe borne water which we feel that this is approaching a crisis situation.

“I also informed the council on the need to step up investments because we need about N1.9trillion in the next 15 years to be able to meet the SDG target for both water supply and sanitation,’’ he said.

The minister said the emergency plan would be inaugurated in 2018 and followed by a five-year recovery programme to last up to 2020.

He said his ministry was being supported by international financial institutions.