The World Bank has selected Abia State as one of the beneficiaries of a $700 million water, sanitation, and hygiene intervention aimed at improving access to clean water and strengthening public health infrastructure across Nigeria, Peak Newspaper reports
The project, known as the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, is designed to expand access to safe drinking water, improve sanitation services, and enhance hygiene systems in participating states.
According to state officials, Abia’s inclusion in the programme reflects growing international confidence in ongoing governance and infrastructure reforms under the current administration. The selection places the state among a group of beneficiaries expected to receive major development support aimed at improving living standards and reducing water-related diseases.
The World Bank initiative targets millions of Nigerians by expanding water supply systems in both urban and rural communities, with a focus on sustainability and improved service delivery.
Nigeria’s water sector has long faced challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and limited access to clean water, with millions of citizens still lacking basic water and sanitation services.
The latest intervention is expected to contribute significantly to addressing these gaps while supporting long-term development goals in the sector.
