Forum Says Recurring Cholera Outbreak In Nigeria Embarrassing, Indicative Of Government Failure

The Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) has chastised the federal and state governments for the country’s recurring cholera outbreaks, claiming that the current incident has revealed the lip service that all levels of government pay to water and sanitation issues.

The CFSF’s position follows the Nigeria Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) prediction that flooding incidents could exacerbate and prolong the current cholera outbreak, which has killed approximately 65 people across the country.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the CFSF stated that the deaths recorded thus far as a result of the current outbreak are disturbing and unfortunate, while also warning that more outbreaks would occur unless the government addressed the issue of sustainable investment in the water and sanitation sectors.

CFSF Executive Director, Comrade Sani Baba, stated: “Even with the enormous sums that the federal and state governments budget for water provision every year, it has become embarrassing that Nigeria is still listed among countries with cholera outbreaks and deaths.”

Comrade Baba stated that the floods predicted by NiMET could further breach and contaminate water sources, exposing citizens to cholera and other vectors that would jeopardise their health.

“The situation appears grim. The timing of the floods, which coincides with the cholera outbreak, is a recipe for more infections and deaths unless the government at all levels takes immediate and proactive steps beyond ongoing sensitization efforts.”

“Water provision must also extend beyond urban areas to remote localities where locals rely on unwholesome sources for domestic and other uses.”

He stated that Nigerians must step up their efforts to examine and scrutinise budgetary allocations to the water sector to hold public officials accountable and ensure long-term funding within the public sector.
“CFSF will continue to work with other civil society and labour groups to expose and challenge barriers to access and affordability, both of which have forced Nigerians to consume unsafe water,” he stated.