Water and Sanitation REFORMS vs Nigeria's Unenviable Open Defecation World Record.

0. 
   
   Problem: There is an insufficiency in water availability in Nigeria. Only 0.02% of an irrigation potential of 3.14 million hectares is currently in use. Only 18% of an impounded water potential of 31 billion cubic metres in 200 dams is effectively utilised. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of open defecation in the world.
   
   Reform Actions:
   - Re-establishment of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in 2010
   - Presidential Retreat on Water in 2013
   - Strengthening of Policies and Strategies on Water
   - Development of Water Sector Roadmap in 2011
   - Engagement of Stakeholders
   - Establishment of a Water Sector Reform and PPP Unit
   - Release of Annual Flood Outlook from 2013
   - Revitalisation of the River Basin Authorities
   - Completion of New Dams in 2012
   - Major Water Schemes across the country.
   
   Main Achievements: Reforms have increased access to potable water from 58% to 65% coverage, while access to improved sanitation facilities moved from 32% to 41%. Reforms have also led to rehabilitation of 12 River Basin Development Authorities and construction of nine new dams.
   
   Key Challenges: 
• (a) 60% of water in urban areas is unaccounted for; and 
  (b) Nigeria has the highest rate of public defecation in Africa and one of the highest rates in the world; the trend has worsened from 23 million people practicing open defecation in 1990 rising to 39 million in 2012; 
  (c) many rural water initiatives have failed and often produce no water beyond the date of commissioning; and 
  (d) the use of private bore holes by citizens is a major feature of this sector. 
  
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    Reference:  Public Service Reforms in Nigeria (1999-2014) - A Comprehensive Review
    
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