Big Investments, Little Impact: World Bank’s Water Projects in Nigeria Criticized

Big Investments, Little Impact: World Bank’s Water Projects in Nigeria Criticized

By Our Correspondent

New research by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has revealed a disturbing trend: World Bank-supported water projects in Ekiti, Rivers, and Bauchi states, Nigeria, have failed to deliver on their promise of improved access to clean water for citizens. Despite significant investments and the involvement of international financial institutions, these projects have not addressed the country’s water crisis, leaving communities struggling to access this essential resource. The research highlights the need for a reassessment of the role of privatization reforms in Nigeria’s water sector and the impact of such policies on the lives of its people

The research, titled “Big Debts, Big Thirst: A Case Study of World Bank Supported Water Projects in Ekiti, Rivers, and Bauchi States.

As highlighted by the report, despite the injection of huge loans from the World Bank and other financial institutions, water facilities and supply across the three states have not improved significantly.

In Bauchi, the study found that the state continues to face persistent water and sanitation challenges, with inadequate access to clean water, widespread open defecation, and poor hygiene practices remaining prevalent.

In Ekiti State, the study discovered that only four out of 17 booster stations meant to enhance pressure and ensure efficient supply of water across various locations are working.

The situation in Rivers State is even more dire, with the state’s water supply infrastructure failing to provide potable water to its citizens despite being nestled among waters.

The study attributes the failure of these water projects to the involvement of corporations and the emphasis on market-oriented solutions.

As noted by Daniel Oberko, Regional Secretary for Africa and Arab Countries Public Services International, Nigeria’s water insecurity is caused by accessibility challenges, inadequate finance, and an institutional framework for administration that is neither consistent nor coherent.

The CAPPA study also found that the World Bank’s initial efforts in Nigeria’s water sector were concentrated in urban areas, but these projects failed due to lack of financial sustainability.

The Bank then arm-twisted governments to enforce strict payment mechanisms and introduce water tariff increases, making water unaffordable for many citizens.

The researchers—Sefa Ikpa, Gideon Adeyeni, Martin Ogunlade, and Zikora Ibe—argue that attempts by governments to hand over water access to corporations are dogged by pitfalls and insincerity, which would make water costly and out of reach of common citizens.

They recommend that governments reject privatization, proclaim a national emergency in the water sector, and launch a sustainable water sector renewal plan.

The study also emphasizes the need for governments to recognize water as a human rights issue and invest publicly in water infrastructure.

In the view of Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director of CAPPA, the study’s findings highlight the need for a new approach to water management in Nigeria, one that prioritizes the needs of citizens over the interests of corporations.

The study’s findings have significant implications for Nigeria’s water sector, and it remains to be seen how governments at various levels will respond to the recommendations.

“However, one thing is clear: the country’s water crisis requires a new approach, one that prioritizes the needs of citizens and ensures that clean water is accessible to all,,” Oluwafemi pointed out