The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a strong warning on rising water contamination levels in Lagos, Kogi, and Kebbi States, urging immediate intervention to protect public health and ensure access to safe drinking water.
The alert follows alarming findings from the agency’s Water Quality, Flood Assessment, and Validation Report.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, the Director General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammad, said recent flooding had worsened water safety challenges, leading to heightened concentrations of heavy metals, microbial pollutants, and physical contaminants in groundwater and wells across the three states.
Mohammad disclosed that Lagos recorded excessive levels of nitrite, fluoride, lead, and cadmium, in addition to widespread microbial contamination. He attributed the crisis to industrial discharge, sewage infiltration, waste leaching, and corrosion of ageing plumbing systems.
He warned that these pollutants pose grave health risks such as neurological damage from lead, kidney problems from cadmium, blue baby syndrome from nitrites, and bone and dental deformities from fluoride. Floodwater intrusion and damaged drainage infrastructure, he added, further increase exposure risks in the state.
In Kogi, the agency found dangerously high concentrations of lead, ranging from 0.12 to 0.56 milligrams per litre, alongside microbial contamination involving E. coli, Streptococcus, and Salmonella. Mohammad said these conditions could lead to poisoning, cognitive impairment, and severe waterborne diseases if left untreated.
Kebbi State also recorded critical contamination levels, with arsenic concentrations in well water ranging from 0.75 to 4 milligrams per litre and high microbial loads. According to Mohammad, prolonged exposure can result in arsenicosis, liver damage, and serious intestinal infections.
He called on the affected state governments and relevant agencies to take urgent steps to mitigate the contamination, intensify public sensitisation campaigns, and provide communities with safe drinking water. Mohammad emphasised that NiHSA’s forecasts, water quality updates, drought outlooks, and flood assessment reports offer actionable guidance for governments and emergency responders in addressing environmental and public health threats.
Highlighting regional disparities, he noted that while the northern part of the country often battles drought, the south contends with flooding, making NiHSA’s work essential for national preparedness and resilience.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of Hydrogeophysics at NiHSA, Sunday Husseini, confirmed that the agency has forwarded the report to the Lagos, Kogi, and Kebbi State Governments. He announced that Kebbi State has agreed to partner with NiHSA on a comprehensive study to identify heavy metal contamination hotspots and integrate water treatment systems into existing water supply schemes. He added that similar engagements are underway with the Lagos and Kogi state governments.
Husseini revealed that NiHSA is developing hydrological regulations aimed at reducing disaster risks and improving the monitoring and management of water quality, availability, and distribution.
He stressed that combining water quality analysis with flood forecasting enhances national resilience and helps the country avoid preventable disasters.
He urged Nigerians to follow safety advisories, adopt safe water practices, and cooperate with authorities to reduce contamination risks and safeguard public health.
