Water Scarcity And The Impending Water-Related Conflicts In Nigeria: A Reappraisal

Abstract

Until fairly recently, water has been seen as an infinitely available resource to be diverted, drained or polluted in generating wealth. Scarcity is a policy-induced outcome flowing from this deeply flawed approach, the predictable consequences of inexhaustible demand chasing an under priced resources. This study seeks to look at water resources in Nigeria and to assess water availability and its attendant consequences on the Nigeria population at present and in the near future. Images of shrinking lakes, and disappearing of rivers, population growth, pollution and climate change reinforce the perception that Nigeria is drifting into water crises. With competition for an increasing scarce resource conflicts within the country and water wars between countries are likely inevitable. This study seeks for ways of providing solutions to water crises that may arise between Nigeria and other countries sharing rivers together.