Abstract

Emmanuel M. Akpabio* and Ekanem M. Ekanem

This paper takes a look at the general condition of water resources availability and management practices in Akwa Ibom State, southeastern Nigeria. The paper observes high incidence of inequity and access burdens on the general population (especially the vulnerable groups) as well as reckless incidence of exploitation of the aquifer for private market. These were all linked to weak government involvements in the management of the resource, a situation that has given rise to uncertainties relating to the survival and the ability of the resource system to sustain livelihoods beyond this generation. The observations in the study reflect the general absence of a strong government commitment in Nigeria to managing water resources with specific concerns on the survival of the ecosystem. While striving to meet the various international commitments on universalizing water access and services, the paper cautions that meeting human needs for water should not be at a degenerating cost to the ecosystem. In the recommendation, the paper advocates a centralized and coordinated water management practices with an ecosystem focus. Attaining this requires strong precautionary policies on water demand management backed up by effective regulatory measures to ensure optimum and balanced supply, efficient use as well as the protection of the natural system.