NBS To Conduct Survey on Number of Nigerians With Access To Water, Sanitation

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the federal ministry of water resources and UNICEF is set to conduct a three weeks survey on the population of Nigerians with access to water and hygienic sanitation.The survey is due to commence from 24th November to 15th of December, 2019.

In a statement released on Thursday, the NBS said the survey tagged WASH-NORM was to collect  more recent data on the number of Nigerians who have access to portable water, the percentage of Nigerians without access to toilet facility and the response of Nigerians to sanitation in the country.

“WASH is an acronym for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene while NORM is National Outcome Routine Mapping.” It added that, “This survey will provide further context on previously published data on water access, sanitation, and open defecation”

NBS said that the 2013 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Report which showed that 28.7% of Nigerians engaged in open defecation, 34% and 59.6% of Nigerians had access to improved sanitation and improved water sources respectively, poses risks to public health and wellbeing. 

It further states that the WASH-NORM survey would provide a more reliable data that will guide federal government on the efficient utilization of resources to improve the access to wash services in the country.

According to the release, the exercise will hold in all 36 states including FCT.

“Forty (40) enumeration areas will be selected for study in each of the States and FCT, except Lagos and Kano where 40 enumeration areas will be selected based on each of the senatorial zones.” The NBS however appealed to respondents to comply and give required information to the enumerators.