Why Nigerian Industries need to be more mindful of Water Security
Christopher Oare Aneni, PMP??
Sustainability Project Manager | Utilizing community engagement to develop environmentally sustainable projects. Business Operations | Continuous Improvement | Program Management
In some parts of Africa, perhaps due to the poverty that soaks the land, challenges are often tied to lack, and the forecast of overabundant rainfall in the news seems more like a blessing than a problem. At least, until the raindrops pattering on your roof don’t seem to be stopping and the water begins to well under your bed.
In the north-central and northeast regions of Nigeria, such as Jigawa, Adamawa, Kogi, Borno, and Taraba, there have been devasting floods between September and November, 2024. Emphasis on these areas as they are typically arid, and rarely have rainfall between September and March. These floods have also impacted 29 others of the 36 states in Nigeria, caused displacement of over 740,000 people, destroyed vast areas of farmland, and led to a spike in cholera cases due to the contamination of water sources. In Kogi alone, over 61,000 hectares of farmland were submerged, damaging critical crops and heightening food security concerns as malnutrition rates rise amid the ongoing flood crisis. (1)
Such catastrophic events highlight how vulnerable communities are to climate change induced water scarcity and contamination, both of which can worsen with industrial water misuse.
How does this relate to industrial water usage?
Recent data states that industries in Nigeria account for 16% of total direct water withdrawal, and industrial-led agriculture (i.e. farmlands that provide the raw materials for industry use), leads the consumption ratios at about 69%. Together, these account for 85% of water consumption. (2) With increasing climate volatility, responsible water use and conservation by industries can help prevent depletion of critical water resources, especially as flood-affected communities require clean water supplies for survival and to prevent disease outbreaks.
Other ways industrial water usage affects water security include:
1.???? Water demand, particularly in water stressed regions. Industries competing directly with the communities for this scarce resource not only increases local tension levels but also exacerbates the scarcity.
2.???? Ecosystem Impact. This includes both the potential for environmental degradation, depletion of a critical natural resource, the sensitivity of the biotic components of the environment to industrial waste discharges, etc.
What can Industries do?
1.???? Implement Water-Saving Techniques: Invest in greywater systems, recycling processes, and efficient water use in daily operations.
2.???? Reduce and Treat Wastewater: Minimizing wastewater discharge, improves efficiency, reduces energy and water cost, reduces the strain on local water bodies and allows for water recycling.
3.???? Collaborate with Local Water Management: Partnering with communities and local authorities on water management improves relationships with community leads and can help industries use resources more sustainably and boost local resilience.
The lesson is clear: by investing in water conservation, industries can support stable access to clean water for communities and reduce operational risks from natural disasters. Implementing water recycling, minimizing waste discharge, and collaborating on water management are critical for both business continuity and community well-being.
Public Health Enthusiast, Business Growth & Ops Specialist
2 周My guess is you only secure water when you are well aware of water management P&P, it’s safe to say you can’t secure what you cant manage right?????????
Site Manager at Diversey (A Solenis Company). | Chemical Engineer | Operations Management |SSYB CERTIFIED, IWCF CERTIFIED | MSPE, MAIChE, MIAEng, MNIPES
2 周Christopher Oare Aneni, PMP??, this is an insightful article??. Water security is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and collective action. As highlighted in the article, conserving water in industries is essential for ensuring stable access to clean water for communities and reducing operational risks associated with natural disasters. This is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. I appreciate the emphasis on adopting mindful practices, such as investing in greywater systems, using water efficiently, implementing water recycling, and minimizing waste discharge. Every drop truly counts, and individual actions can collectively lead to significant change. Let’s continue to raise awareness and advocate for sustainable solutions to ensure a water-secure future for all.