Urban water supply planning and management in Nigeria

The gap between water need and supply has widened steadily in Nigeria's urban centres despite continuous efforts made to develop the nation's vast surface and groundwater resources. Less than 0.5% of the total water resource potential has been developed for consumption, and the per capita water supply for all uses is only 61 litres per day. Acute water shortages afflict the inhabitants of the towns and cities. The bulk of available water supplies is unmetered; where metered, ridiculously low rates are changed. Thus, there is a great need for management policy that aims at financial viability and economic efficiency. More realistic water rates should be charged in order to raise the much-needed revenue to meet increasing production and distribution costs.