The Rising Cost of Safe Drinking Water in Nigeria: An Alarming Trend

Introduction

Safe drinking water, a fundamental necessity for human survival, has become a luxury item for many Nigerians. In recent months, the cost of packaged water has skyrocketed, posing severe implications for the average Nigerian, particularly those living below the poverty line. This surge in prices is not just an economic concern but a potential public health crisis.

The cost of "pure water," typically packaged in small nylon sachets, has risen dramatically. Once sold for 10 naira, the price has now quintupled to 50 naira. This form of water has been a staple for many low-income families, who relied on its affordability for their daily hydration needs. The price increase has put this basic commodity out of reach for a significant portion of the population.
Sachet water popularly know as pure water

Bottled water has also seen a steep rise in cost. Previously, a bottle could be purchased for 60 to 100 naira depending on the brand and size. Today, the same bottles are sold for 250 to 300 naira in regular roadside shops. In more upscale venues, where ambiance and exclusivity are part of the package, prices have soared even higher. Clubs and executive outlets, which previously sold bottled water for 1500 to 2000 naira, are leveraging their atmosphere and the associated social prestige to maintain these inflated prices.

Bottle water

The disparity in pricing is even more pronounced in certain regions. For instance, in Jalingo, a city in northern Nigeria, the cost of bottled water at room temperature is 500 naira, doubling to 1000 naira when cold. The price can escalate further if the water is iced, reflecting the premium placed on simple refrigeration.

This dramatic increase in water prices is particularly alarming when considering the economic realities of many Nigerians. The World Bank estimates that approximately 40% of Nigeria's population lives below the poverty line, earning less than $1.90 a day. For these individuals, spending even 50 naira on a sachet of water represents a significant portion of their daily income. The higher cost of bottled water is entirely prohibitive, pushing safe drinking water further out of reach.

The consequences of these price hikes extend beyond economic strain. They risk driving people back to unsafe water sources, with potentially devastating public health consequences. Unsafe drinking water is a well-documented vector for diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery, which can be fatal, particularly for children.

Moreover, these challenges underscore a critical issue of sustainability. Access to clean water is a cornerstone of sustainable development, directly linked to health, well-being, and economic stability. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. However, the rising cost of safe drinking water in Nigeria threatens to derail progress towards this goal.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Policy interventions to regulate the price of packaged water and ensure its affordability are crucial. Investments in water infrastructure to provide safe and accessible water to all communities, regardless of their economic status, are equally important. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of water conservation and the dangers of unsafe water consumption can also play a vital role.

The alarming rise in the cost of safe drinking water in Nigeria is a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for policies and practices that ensure water remains accessible to all, regardless of economic status. Water, after all, is not just a commodity—it is a basic human right essential for survival and well-being.

References:

World Bank. (2023). Poverty & Equity Brief: Nigeria. World Bank
United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. United Nations