Addressing Water Management Issues in Southeastern Nigeria: The Imperative for Governmental Action

Abstract

This paper takes a look at the general condition of water resources availability and management practices in Akwa Ibom 
State, southeastern Nigeria. The paper observes high incidence of inequity and access burdens on the general 
population (especially the vulnerable groups) as well as reckless incidence of exploitation of the aquifer for private 
market. These were all linked to weak government involvements in the management of the resource, a situation that has 
given rise to uncertainties relating to the survival and the ability of the resource system to sustain livelihoods beyond 
this generation. The observations in the study reflect the general absence of a strong government commitment in 
Nigeria to managing water resources with specific concerns on the survival of the ecosystem. While striving to meet 
the various international commitments on universalizing water access and services, the paper cautions that meeting 
human needs for water should not be at a degenerating cost to the ecosystem. In the recommendation, the paper 
advocates a centralized and coordinated water management practices with an ecosystem focus. Attaining this requires 
strong precautionary policies on water demand management backed up by effective regulatory measures to ensure 
optimum and balanced supply, efficient use as well as the protection of the natural system.