PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Nigeria; located between latitude 40N and 140N and longitude 30E and 150E is endowed with vast water resources both proven and potential. The country is well drained with a close network of rivers and streams. Some of these, particularly the smaller ones in the north, are seasonal. There are four principal surface water basins in Nigeria; the Niger River, the Lake Chad, the West Coast and the West Central Coast. There is a very large groundwater potential in Nigeria, far greater than the surface water resources, estimated to be 224 trillion l/year (Hanidu, 1990). This picture of availability leads to reckless use of water resources as if the flow will never cease. Both surface and groundwater sources are often polluted through anthropogenic activities. This overview examines the prospects of water resources in Nigeria, the challenges of availability, accessibility and affordability; and environmental management concerns of water resources. The conclusion is that Nigeria as a nation is endowed with huge water resources with the capacity to meet our burgeoning requirements across all facets of life given the requisite resources and a focused plan of action managed by competent and committed professionals within a well orchestrated institutional framework. To mitigate threats to our water resources, government must step up Integrated Water Resources management where all sectors must synergize to achieve results.