Experts Warn of Water Quality Threats in Niger State

Experts have expressed alarm over the threats to water quality in Niger State, attributing these issues to pollution, climate change, and human activities. During a sensitization program at the Tagwai Dam site, Dr. Dan Hassan, a retired director from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, highlighted that only 2.5% of the Earth's water is fresh and readily available for human use.

He warned that Nigeria is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, facing challenges such as flooding, drought, pollution, and declining groundwater levels, which pose serious threats to water resources. Professor Victoria Chukwuemeka, the program coordinator at the Federal University of Technology Minna, noted that urbanization and industrialization are increasing pressure on water bodies.

She identified illegal mining activities as a significant contributor to water pollution. The program aimed to encourage environmental awareness and proper sanitation practices among students from the Future Model School and Bosso Secondary School.

The event underscored the need for collective action from government, institutions, and the public to safeguard water sources and improve access to safe drinking water.