Kaduna Water Access Jumps from 8% to 30% in Two Years

When Governor Uba Sani took office in Kaduna State, Nigeria, he inherited a water crisis that left 92% of residents without reliable access to clean water. Today, less than three years later, over 30% of the state's population has running water in their homes, and the governor promises universal coverage by the end of 2026.

The transformation started with confronting a harsh reality. Treatment plants sat dormant, distribution networks had crumbled, and decades of neglect had left the water sector in shambles.

Sani's administration responded with the largest water infrastructure investment in the state's history. Between 2024 and 2027, Kaduna is committing between $60 million and $65 million to completely modernize its water system.

The numbers tell a story of comprehensive action. The government spent over $3 million replacing pipes lost to vandalism and urban renewal damage in Zaria and Kafanchan. Another $6.5 million is currently flowing into priority pipeline replacements in Kaduna city, while $900,000 went toward high-quality water purification chemicals.

Even electricity bills became part of the solution. The state cleared $840,000 in outstanding power costs to keep pumping facilities running without interruption.

But infrastructure alone doesn't turn on taps. The government cleared over $580,000 in salary arrears for water corporation workers and integrated them fully into the reform agenda. Sani even approved land for a mass housing project so water professionals could afford homes near their workplaces.

The Ripple Effect: The commitment extends beyond pipes and pumps to building lasting capacity. Kaduna allocated land for National Water Resources Institute branches in Zaria and Kachia, creating training centers that will ensure skilled professionals maintain these systems for generations. The main institute, now recognized as a World Meteorological Centre in Africa, is offering subsidized training to state officials to strengthen expertise across the sector.

From nearly no access to universal coverage in just four years represents one of Africa's most ambitious water infrastructure transformations.