Few places are as diverse as Nigeria. Known around the world for its fashion, music, food and film, it is the most densely populated country in Africa. Home to over 190 million people, it buzzes with the customs and languages of more than 500 ethnic groups.
With so many people in close contact, Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Handwashing is a key defence against coronavirus, but 5.5 million Nigerians still live without a source of clean water.
We are helping the Nigerian Government to scale up water, toilet and handwashing facilities in the states where we work. And nationally, we are assisting in a media campaign advising people how to protect their health through good hygiene.
Our response to COVID-19 in Nigeria
Nigeria’s economy is driven by oil. This has helped it grow from a developing country to lower-middle-income status, although changes in global oil prices make progress unstable.
Despite this, Nigeria has made solid progress in reaching people with water – seven in ten people now have clean water to drink. But with fewer than three in ten people having a decent toilet, the country has a big task ahead of it to install the right sanitation systems.
We are working with the Government as it renews its efforts to reach the people who are most in need of these essential services. And powerful voices are helping us – from women and young people to traditional and religious institutions.
Together, we will bring about lasting change across the whole country, not just in villages and local communities. Lasting change in millions of people’s lives.
