The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have partnered with the Borno State Government to strengthen access to safe and resilient water services in Maiduguri, as rapid urban growth and climate pressures intensify demand.
The partnership was unveiled during a high-level roundtable in Maiduguri on September 10, held to mark the first anniversary of the floods caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, which devastated Maiduguri and Jere.
Maiduguri’s population more than doubled between 2006 and 2021 and is projected to exceed 2.5 million by 2030. Public water systems currently provide only a fraction of demand, forcing many households to rely on unsafe and costly alternatives.
Borno State Secretary to the Government, Mallam Bukar Tijani, said the state is determined to close the gap. “Ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location or socio-economic status, has access to safe and affordable water is a top priority for Borno State,” he noted. “We are committed to working with the Federal Government, AfDB, ICRC, and other partners to close the gap through technology, expertise, and sustainable financing.”
AfDB’s Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, stressed the link between water and regional stability. “Water, resilience, and peace are deeply interconnected. Through strong partnerships with the Nigerian government and institutions like the ICRC, we are helping northern Nigeria move from recurring crises to a future of stability and sustainable development,” he said.
ICRC’s Head of Delegation in Nigeria, Doris El Doueihy, emphasised the importance of connecting immediate humanitarian response with long-term development. “The humanitarian–development link is not just a concept; it is a lifeline. We must meet urgent needs while investing in long-term resilience to prevent future crises,” she said.
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, represented by Joseph Terlumun Babarinde Segun Mukaila, drew attention to the government’s National Action Plan to revitalise water, sanitation, and hygiene services nationwide. He cautioned that the sector remains highly vulnerable to climate shocks.
The AfDB reported that it has invested more than $805 million in Nigeria’s water and sanitation sector over the past decade, reaching at least eight million people. In Borno State, 1.6 million residents have benefited, including through 417 interventions in Maiduguri.
The meeting concluded with a decision to establish a state-led steering committee to drive implementation, with the Maiduguri Urban Water Supply Masterplan adopted as the guiding framework. Stakeholders agreed that securing reliable and affordable water for Maiduguri is critical for public health, resilience, and lasting peace in the northeast.
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