As we gather to observe World Water Day, this year under the poignant theme “Water for Peace,” it’s crucial to dive deeper into the interconnections between water management, peace, and sustainable development.
In Nigeria, a country rich in diversity and challenges, the day brings to light the critical need for comprehensive strategies that address water scarcity, pollution, and equitable distribution to enable a peaceful society.
The stark reality in Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to safe drinking water and where waterborne diseases are rampant due to contaminated sources, is a clarion call for action. The effects of climate change exacerbate these issues, with predictions of a stark decrease in water availability per capita in Nigeria by 2080. This scenario not only threatens the health and livelihoods of millions but also poses a significant risk to peace and security.
The interplay of climate change in Nigeria is evident in its dire statistics: from 2001 to 2021, Nigeria lost 1.14 million hectares of tree cover, equivalent to an 11 per cent decrease and contributing significantly to carbon dioxide emissions. The country is already losing about five per cent of its GDP to climate impacts, a figure that could escalate to 30 per cent by 2050. These environmental challenges, coupled with socio-economic strains, expose the complex web of factors that can fuel societal tensions and conflict.
Water, an essential element for life, has the power to unite communities, nations, and people. Yet, its scarcity can lead to competition, conflict, and displacement. In Nigeria, the devastating impact of flooding, which has displaced millions, including children, and the increasing desertification in the northern regions, underscore the urgency of adopting water management as a strategy for peacebuilding.
However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for peace and cooperation. By championing the cause of “Water for Peace,” we advocate for the role of water as a catalyst for cooperation. Shared water resources, when managed with equity and foresight, can become a foundation for dialogue, collaboration, and peace between communities and nations. This necessitates a paradigm shift towards integrated water resources management that recognizes water’s central role in our ecosystem, economy, and society.
Investing in sustainable water infrastructure is key. This includes not only the physical infrastructure to provide clean water and sanitation but also the institutional frameworks that ensure equitable access and resource management. Enhancing the resilience of water systems to climate change impacts, such as droughts and floods, is critical. This involves both mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation strategies to cope with the changing climate.
Education and awareness are equally important. Empowering communities with knowledge about water conservation, hygiene practices, and sustainable usage can drive a bottom-up approach to water management. Community-led initiatives often yield sustainable solutions tailored to local needs and conditions, resulting in a sense of ownership and responsibility towards water resources.
Furthermore, the international community must play a supportive role. Global partnerships for technology transfer, capacity building, and financing can boost national efforts to ensure water security. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, provide a universal framework for action. Achieving this goal is fundamental to peace, as it addresses the root causes of conflict and displacement related to water scarcity and quality.
As we reflect on this year’s theme of “Water for Peace,” let us commit to action beyond words. It’s time for concerted efforts from the Federal and State Governments, international organisations such as UNICEF, civil society, and communities to ensure that water, our most precious resource, serves as a bridge to peace rather than a source of conflict.
Let’s work together to strengthen a Nigeria where every individual has access to clean, safe water, and where water management becomes a cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.
Prof. Utsev, an Engineer, is the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.Ms Cristian Munduate is the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.
