In a significant stride toward addressing one of the most pressing challenges in northeastern Nigeria, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have partnered with the Borno State Government to tackle the severe water scarcity crisis in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. This collaboration, marked by a pivotal roundtable discussion on September 10, 2025, aims to accelerate access to safe, sustainable, and affordable water services for the city’s rapidly growing population. The initiative comes at a critical juncture, as Maiduguri grapples with the compounded effects of population growth, aging infrastructure, and the lingering impacts of conflict and natural disasters.
A City Under Pressure
Maiduguri, a bustling urban center in Nigeria’s northeastern region, has experienced explosive population growth over the past two decades. Between 2006 and 2021, the city’s population more than doubled, and projections indicate it will surpass 2.5 million by 2030. This rapid demographic expansion has placed unprecedented strain on the city’s water infrastructure, which was not designed to accommodate such a large and growing population. The existing water systems, already weakened by years of underinvestment and conflict-related disruptions, are woefully inadequate to meet the current demand. As a result, many residents, particularly women and children, are forced to rely on unsafe, unreliable, and often prohibitively expensive water sources, such as unregulated vendors or contaminated wells.
The consequences of this water scarcity are far-reaching. Limited access to clean water not only poses significant health risks but also exacerbates gender disparities, as women and girls often bear the burden of fetching water, sometimes spending hours each day on this task. This reduces their opportunities for education, employment, and personal development, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Moreover, the lack of reliable water supply undermines public health, contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases, and hampers economic productivity in a region already scarred by years of insurgency and displacement.
The urgency of addressing Maiduguri’s water crisis was brought into sharp focus by the devastating floods that struck Borno State in September 2024, triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam. The disaster displaced thousands of residents, destroyed homes and livelihoods, and further exposed the fragility of the region’s infrastructure. The one-year anniversary of these floods served as a somber backdrop to the recent partnership roundtable, underscoring the critical need for resilient and sustainable water systems capable of withstanding both natural and man-made challenges.
A Collaborative Response
Recognizing the scale of the crisis, the AfDB, ICRC, and Borno State Government convened a high-level roundtable on September 10, 2025, to chart a path toward sustainable water access in Maiduguri. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), United Nations agencies, local authorities, and other development partners. The discussions centered on developing innovative, scalable solutions to address the city’s water challenges while fostering resilience and long-term stability in the region.
Mallam Bukar Tijani, Secretary to the Borno State Government, delivered a compelling address at the roundtable, reaffirming the state’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to safe and affordable water. He emphasized the government’s determination to leverage cutting-edge technology, global expertise, and sustainable financing mechanisms to bridge the gap in water provision. “Access to clean water is a fundamental human right,” Tijani declared. “We are committed to working with our partners to transform Maiduguri’s water infrastructure and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Dr. Abdul Kamara, the AfDB’s Director General for Nigeria, highlighted the intrinsic link between water access, resilience, and peacebuilding. He noted that investments in water infrastructure are a cornerstone of the AfDB’s broader strategy to foster sustainable development and stability across Africa. “Water is not just a resource; it is a catalyst for peace, health, and prosperity,” Kamara stated. “Through strong partnerships, we are helping northern Nigeria move from a cycle of recurring crises to a future of resilience, stability, and sustainable development.”
Doris El Doueihy, head of the ICRC Delegation in Nigeria, echoed Kamara’s sentiments, stressing the importance of combining immediate humanitarian interventions with long-term development initiatives. “In conflict-affected regions like Borno, access to clean water can mean the difference between life and death,” she said. “By addressing immediate needs while investing in sustainable infrastructure, we can prevent future crises and build a foundation for lasting peace.”
The Maiduguri Urban Water Supply Masterplan
A key outcome of the roundtable was the Borno State Government’s commitment to establishing a steering committee to oversee the implementation of the Maiduguri Urban Water Supply Masterplan. This comprehensive framework will serve as a roadmap for expanding access to safe water, upgrading existing infrastructure, and enhancing the city’s resilience to future shocks, whether from climate-related disasters or ongoing security challenges. The masterplan will prioritize the use of innovative technologies, such as solar-powered water pumps and advanced water treatment systems, to ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
The steering committee will work closely with the AfDB, ICRC, and other development partners to coordinate efforts, secure funding, and monitor progress. The committee will also engage local communities to ensure that solutions are tailored to their needs and that vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), are prioritized. By fostering a participatory approach, the initiative aims to build trust and ownership among residents, ensuring the long-term success of the water projects.
The AfDB’s Track Record in Nigeria
The AfDB has a long history of supporting water and sanitation initiatives across Nigeria, with investments totaling more than $805 million over the past decade. These efforts have benefited over 8 million people nationwide, providing them with access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities. In Borno State alone, AfDB-funded programs have positively impacted 1.6 million people, delivering tangible improvements in water access and public health.
One notable project is the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme, which has supported the rehabilitation of water infrastructure in conflict-affected areas of Borno. This initiative has not only restored access to clean water for thousands of households but also created jobs and empowered local communities through skills training and economic opportunities. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term development goals, the AfDB’s interventions have laid the groundwork for sustainable recovery in the region.
The bank’s partnership with the Borno State Government and other stakeholders in Maiduguri builds on this foundation, with a focus on scaling up investments and adopting innovative approaches to address the city’s unique challenges. For instance, the AfDB is exploring the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to mobilize additional resources and expertise for water infrastructure projects. These partnerships could involve private companies in the design, construction, and operation of water facilities, ensuring greater efficiency and sustainability.
The Role of the ICRC in Humanitarian-Development Nexus
The ICRC brings a unique perspective to the partnership, combining its expertise in humanitarian aid with a commitment to long-term development. In Borno State, the ICRC has been a critical lifeline for communities affected by conflict, providing emergency water supplies, medical care, and protection services. However, the organization recognizes that short-term interventions alone are insufficient to address the root causes of water scarcity and vulnerability.
By collaborating with the AfDB and the Borno State Government, the ICRC aims to bridge the gap between humanitarian aid and development. This “humanitarian-development nexus” approach seeks to integrate immediate relief efforts with sustainable infrastructure investments, ensuring that communities are not only supported during crises but also equipped to thrive in the long term. For example, the ICRC is working with local authorities to rehabilitate boreholes and water treatment plants in Maiduguri, while also training community members to maintain these facilities.
Broader Implications for Resilience and Peace
The partnership between the AfDB, ICRC, and Borno State Government has far-reaching implications beyond water access. In a region plagued by conflict, displacement, and climate-related challenges, investments in water infrastructure can serve as a catalyst for peace and stability. Access to clean water reduces tensions over scarce resources, improves public health, and creates opportunities for economic growth. By addressing one of the root causes of vulnerability, this initiative has the potential to transform Maiduguri into a model of resilience and sustainable development.
Moreover, the collaboration underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing complex challenges. The involvement of the World Bank, AFD, UN agencies, and other partners ensures a diversity of perspectives, resources, and expertise. This collective approach is essential for tackling the interconnected issues of water scarcity, climate change, and conflict, which cannot be addressed by any single organization or government.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the partnership holds immense promise, it is not without challenges. Maiduguri’s water crisis is deeply intertwined with broader systemic issues, including ongoing insecurity, limited financial resources, and the impacts of climate change. The region’s volatile security situation, driven by the Boko Haram insurgency and other armed groups, poses significant risks to infrastructure projects and humanitarian operations. Ensuring the safety of workers and protecting water facilities from attacks will be critical to the success of the initiative.
Additionally, the scale of investment required to overhaul Maiduguri’s water infrastructure is substantial. While the AfDB and its partners have committed significant resources, mobilizing additional funding from governments, donors, and the private sector will be essential. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds or blended finance models, could play a key role in closing the funding gap.
Despite these challenges, the initiative presents numerous opportunities. The Maiduguri Urban Water Supply Masterplan has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other cities in Nigeria and across Africa facing similar water challenges. By demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated, multi-stakeholder approaches, the project could inspire similar efforts in other conflict-affected or water-scarce regions.
Furthermore, the focus on sustainability and resilience aligns with global development goals, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. By prioritizing renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and community engagement, the initiative is well-positioned to contribute to these global objectives.
A Call to Action
The September 10 roundtable concluded with a powerful call to action, urging all stakeholders to work together to transform Maiduguri’s water landscape. The establishment of the steering committee marks a significant step forward, but sustained commitment and collaboration will be essential to translate plans into reality. The Borno State Government, AfDB, and ICRC have set an ambitious agenda, but their shared vision of a resilient, water-secure Maiduguri is within reach.
For residents of Maiduguri, the promise of clean, affordable water is more than just a development goal—it is a lifeline. Access to safe water will improve health outcomes, reduce the burden on women and children, and create opportunities for education and economic growth. It will also send a powerful message of hope to a region that has endured years of hardship, demonstrating that through collective action, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Conclusion
The partnership between the AfDB, ICRC, and Borno State Government represents a bold and visionary response to Maiduguri’s water crisis. By combining humanitarian aid, development expertise, and local leadership, this initiative has the potential to transform the lives of millions of residents while setting a precedent for addressing water scarcity in conflict-affected regions. As the steering committee begins its work and the Maiduguri Urban Water Supply Masterplan takes shape, the eyes of the region—and the continent—will be on Maiduguri, watching as it charts a path toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
This collaborative effort is a testament to the power of partnerships in tackling complex challenges. By addressing water scarcity head-on, the AfDB, ICRC, and Borno State Government are not only improving access to a vital resource but also laying the foundation for peace, prosperity, and resilience in one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions. As Maiduguri moves toward a future where every citizen has access to safe water, it serves as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development across Africa.
