In a recent statement via his official X account, former Senator Shehu Sani has addressed the ongoing water scarcity in Nigeria, particularly in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
Sani highlighted the irony of Lokoja facing water scarcity despite being the meeting point of two major rivers, the Niger and the Benue.
He compared this with Saudi Arabia, a country without any rivers, yet its taps never run dry.
"Saudi Arabia does not have a Single River and their Tap never runs dry. Two Rivers met in Lokoja, Nigeria and the City have no sufficient Tap Water. These two examples can also be lessons for shaping the life of an individual or nation," Shehu Sani wrote.
Sani's statement has brought discussions on social media and among local residents.
Many agree with his comparison, pointing out the inefficiencies in the local water management systems.
The water scarcity issue in Lokoja has been ongoing for years.
Despite the presence of the Niger and Benue rivers, the city has struggled to provide sufficient clean water to its residents.
This has led to reliance on alternative sources, which are often inadequate and unreliable.
Local authorities have cited several reasons for the continuous water scarcity.
These include inadequate infrastructure, lack of investment in water projects, and poor maintenance of existing facilities.
Efforts to address these issues have been slow, leading to frustration among the residents.
Residents of Lokoja have been vocal about their struggles with water scarcity.
Many have taken to social media to share their daily challenges.
They often highlight the inconvenience and health risks posed by the lack of clean water.