Experts Call For More Focus On Water Quality Over Access

Experts and stakeholders have advocated for more focus on water quality over access, identifying community-driven innovations as key to addressing the persistent challenges.

This was the highlight of the message at the 2025 International Water Quality Conference held in Abuja on Friday.

Convener and President of Rite Place Health, Dr. Chukwumezie Okolo, warned of the public health risks posed by poor-quality water, which continues to fuel outbreaks of waterborne diseases. While commending the Federal Capital Territory’s efforts in providing potable water, he stressed the need for stronger federal interventions to complement local initiatives.

Also speaking, Microbiologist and former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles O. Esimone, acknowledged the existence of national water quality standards in Nigeria but called for stricter enforcement.

He urged regulatory agencies such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Ministries of Water Resources and Health to establish more effective monitoring systems across the country.

On her part, Ugandan lawmaker Mrs. Agnes Atim argued that investing in water quality is a cost-saving measure.

According to her, governments could save significant resources currently spent on treating preventable water-related illnesses and redirect them to nation-building and sustainable development.