From MDGs to SDGs: The need for Global Thinking and Local Actions in the Nigerian Water Sector

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) elapsed in 2015, reports show that the endeavour was a huge success; however, some targets were not achieved in many developing countries, for example “halving the population without access to improved sanitation. This was found to be due to late commencement and low access to funding among others. Water is at the core of sustainable development. Water resources, and the range of services they provide, underpin poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental sustainability. From food and energy security to human and environmental health, water contributes to improvements in social well-being and inclusive growth, affecting the livelihoods of billions. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which commenced in January 2016 provides another opportunity for Nigeria to ensure that water and related resources are managed in support of human well-being and ecosystem integrity in a robust economy. Sufficient and safe water should be made available to meet every person’s basic needs, with healthy lifestyles and behaviours easily upheld through reliable and affordable water supply and sanitation services, in turn supported by equitably extended and efficiently managed infrastructure. This cannot be achieved if water resources management, infrastructure and service delivery are not sustainably financed, provided and maintained