URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH IN NIGERIA: EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY PERSPECTIVES

Authors

  • O. J. Oyebode

    A

  • O. J. Iyanda

  • R. S. Adeola

  • S. Apeh

  • O. T. Aforolagba-Balogun

  • O. A. Bayode

  • S. O. Oladeji

  • B. C. Finbarrs-Ezema

  • F. A. Oyebode

  • S. Egbiki

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51459/futajeet.2026.1.Special.491
Keywords:
Innovative Engineering Solutions, Integrated Water Resources Management, Effective Governance, Environmental Sustainability, Urban Water Management
Abstract

Urban water management cannot be achieved in both developed and developing nations without adequate attention to effective governance, innovative solutions, implementation strategies, and sustainable development goals. This study aims to evaluate urban water management in Nigeria, emphasizing sustainability and effective governance. This study employs a desk-based, thematic literature review and qualitative method approach to provide comprehensive water resources management for sustainable development, public health, and economic growth. The issues facing Nigeria's water sector were found to have creative solutions. Significant findings revealed that overlapping mandates and governance issues among state agencies, federal ministries, and River Basin Development Authorities have affected Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrialization are just a few of the complex issues plaguing Nigeria's water sector, undermining its contribution to sustainable development and public health. The contribution of smart water management systems, green infrastructure, and artificial intelligence to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of urban water systems cannot be overstated.  The study concluded that effective water management and enforcement of water quality standards are essential for improving livelihoods, public health, and environmental sustainability. To do this, though, water policy must be linked to economic policy. Innovative engineering solutions like decentralized rainwater harvesting, managed aquifer recharge, IoT-enabled monitoring, infrastructure rehabilitation, and artificial intelligence can also be deployed. Increased efforts should be directed toward practical political will, comprehensive institutional and policy reforms, including modernizing water laws and appropriate governance in the water sector. Without a doubt, this will enhance interagency collaboration, generate long-term funding sources, and offer targeted, innovative engineering solutions.

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Published
2026-03-03
Issue
Vol. 20 No. Special (2026): FUTA JEET: Special Issue on Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Living and Environmental Challenges: Engineering Perspectives
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How to Cite

URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH IN NIGERIA: EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY PERSPECTIVES. (2026). FUTA JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, 20(Special), 8-24. https://doi.org/10.51459/futajeet.2026.1.Special.491

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