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Emeziem, Cosmas --- "The human right to clean water and sanitation – a perspective from Nigeria" [2017] ELECD 330; in Chaisse, Julien (ed), "Charting the Water Regulatory Future" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017) 195

Book Title: Charting the Water Regulatory Future

Editor(s): Chaisse, Julien

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781785366710

Section: Chapter 10

Section Title: The human right to clean water and sanitation – a perspective from Nigeria

Author(s): Emeziem, Cosmas

Number of pages: 20

Abstract/Description:

Water is one of humankind’s earliest sources of survival, sustenance and inspiration. It has inspired poets since the beginning of time. It has fed nations and also caused sorrows where it is insufficient. As soon as a human being is born, she must be washed and made clean. This washing may spell doom or death if it is done with unwholesome water. So from the cradle to the grave the need for wholesome water for life is an undying need. Equally, as human societies and populations enlarge, the demand for wholesome water enlarges exponentially – it heightens the need for safe water. Over time, poverty and other factors like global warming, drought and pollution have further put pressure on existing sources of safe and sufficient water for living across the globe. This has led to a near emergency situation of non-availability of safe and sustainable drinking water for many. Nigeria as part of the human community is affected by this common problem. To understand this, this Introduction looks at the make-up of Nigeria and its water peculiarities. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is situated in tropical West Africa. It is a country with diverse ethnic nationalities and about 175 million inhabitants. Its landmass is put at 933,770 square kilometers. It operates a federal system of government with constitutional powers devolving between the central government in Abuja and 36 states of the Federation. The government structure also includes 774 local government units across the country. Nigeria has warm weather and good but irregular precipitation which tapers off to near-desert conditions in the northernmost parts.