Accelerating Access to Safe Water in Maiduguri: Partners Convene to Address Critical Challenges

Strategic Insights -

Maiduguri, the largest city in Borno State, Nigeria, is facing a severe water crisis, exacerbated by the collapse of the Alau Dam and a decade of conflict, displacement, and rapid urban growth. With a projected population of over 2.5 million by 2030, the city's water infrastructure is struggling to meet demand, leaving many households relying on unsafe and costly sources. The Government of Borno State, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other development partners, has convened a partnership roundtable to accelerate access to safe, sustainable, and inclusive water services in Maiduguri.

Key Takeaways:

  • Borno State has faced over a decade of conflict, displacement, and rapid urban growth, with Maiduguri's population more than doubling between 2006 and 2021, and projected to exceed 2.5 million by 2030.
  • The collapse of the Alau Dam has severely impacted Maiduguri and Jere local government areas, with public water systems meeting only part of the demand, forcing many households to rely on unsafe and costly sources.
  • The African Development Bank has invested over $805 million in water and sanitation projects across Nigeria, improving access for at least 8 million people, including 1.6 million in Borno State.
  • The roundtable has concluded with a strong call to action, with the Borno State Government committing to establish a steering committee and work closely with development partners to implement the project.
  • Participants have endorsed the Maiduguri Urban Water Supply Masterplan as the guiding framework for expanding access to safe water and improving resilience.
  • Providing safe, reliable, and affordable water for Maiduguri is critical for public health, resilience, and lasting peace across northeast Nigeria.

Statistics:

  • Maiduguri's population has more than doubled between 2006 and 2021, from approximately 1.2 million to 2.5 million.
  • The African Development Bank has invested over $805 million in water and sanitation projects across Nigeria.
  • Over 1.6 million people in Borno State have benefited from Bank programs, including 417 interventions in Maiduguri.
  • The Borno State Government has committed to establishing a steering committee to implement the project and work closely with development partners.

Sources:

  • African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org)
  • International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
  • Borno State Government
  • Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
  • Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
  • World Bank
  • Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).