Expert Calls for Increased Investment in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Infrastructure in Nigeria

Tosin Clegg
A seasoned civil engineer, Joy Onuh, an expert in water resources, environmental engineering, and environmental public health, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to tackle the country’s urgent challenges.

Disclosing this in a recent media statement on World Toilet Day, the expert highlighted that over 86 million Nigerians (about 43% of the population) still lack access to basic drinking water services, while 48 million (approximately 23%) practice open defecation – an alarming reality that severely undermines progress in healthcare, education, and economic growth.

She emphasized that one of the most critical challenges lies in constructing infrastructure that does not align with local needs. “Too often, systems are installed that fail within months because they were not designed with the community in mind. We need context-specific solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and easy to maintain,” Onuh stressed.

Onuh’s extensive experience with WASH interventions across both urban and rural Nigeria has demonstrated to her the profound impact that improved WASH access can have on reducing child mortality, increasing school attendance, and enhancing women’s health.

“The statistics speak volumes – children in communities with improved sanitation are significantly less likely to suffer from diarrheal diseases, girls are more likely to remain in school when toilets are safe and accessible, and women benefit from enhanced health and dignity,” she said.

Her work as a WASH Consultant has involved close collaboration with government agencies, municipal leaders, NGOs, and fellow engineers to design, implement, and monitor systems that serve households, schools, health centers, markets, and other public spaces.

These initiatives include gender-inclusive toilets with menstrual hygiene facilities, solar-powered and hand-pump boreholes for clean water access, and waste management and hygiene education modules tailored to children and local customs.

Onuh emphasized the importance of integrating WASH into national infrastructure planning and climate resilience strategies, highlighting its critical role in advancing public health, achieving sustainable development, and ensuring no one is left behind.

She also emphasized the need for sustainability plans and local ownership in WASH projects, drawing on her experience with organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank, the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), and other WASH-focused initiatives.

Her research and experiences in the United States have further shaped her approach to WASH solutions.

Through her ongoing doctoral research, fieldwork, and scholarly contributions, Onuh remains committed to advancing clean water and sustainable sanitation infrastructure – not merely as development goals, but as essential pillars of human dignity and climate resilience.

Beyond her professional pursuits, she is also dedicated to mentoring young engineers and promoting data-driven WASH solutions across Nigeria and beyond.

Onuh is a licensed professional engineer certified by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), with extensive expertise in water resources, environmental engineering, and environmental public health. She is affiliated with several professional organizations and is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the GUND Institute for Environment and Barrett Fellowships at the University of Vermont, Burlington, USA, where she is currently pursuing her doctoral studies.