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Economic development

Partnership Accelerates Access to Safe Water Services in Nigeria's Borno State

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Government of Borno State, along with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has convened a partnership roundtable to accelerate access to safe, sustainable, and inclusive water services in Maiduguri. The event comes on the heels of devastating floods in Borno, exacerbated by the collapse of the Alau Dam, which severely impacted Maiduguri and Jere local government areas. 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, placing immense pressure on water infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership aims to bridge the gap between water need and provision through technology, expertise, and sustainable financing.
  • Borno State is committed to working with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, AfDB, ICRC, and other partners to ensure every citizen has access to safe and affordable water.
  • The African Development Bank has invested over $805 million in water and sanitation projects across Nigeria, improving access for at least 8 million people.
  • Over the past decade, AfDB programs have benefited 1.6 million people in Borno State, including 417 interventions in Maiduguri.
  • The Borno State Government has committed to establish a steering committee to implement the project and work closely with development partners.
  • Participants 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:

  • Between 2006 and 2021, Maiduguri's population more than doubled, reaching estimated 2.5 million by 2030, placing immense pressure on water infrastructure.
  • Over $805 million invested by AfDB in water and sanitation projects across Nigeria, improving access for at least 8 million people.
  • 1.6 million people in Borno State have benefited from AfDB programs, including 417 interventions in Maiduguri.
  • 417 interventions in Maiduguri have enhanced water access, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.

Sources:

  • "Nigeria: African Development Bank and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) partner to support inclusive, resilient water services in Maiduguri" (M2 PressWIRE, 2025)
  • "About the African Development Bank Group" (African Development Bank Group, 2025)

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