Urbanization, industrialization, and water contamination: emerging challenges for public health in Nigeria
Résumé
Urbanization and industrialization have become major drivers of economic growth and social transformation in Nigeria, contributing to increased employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and improved standards of living. However, the rapid pace of these processes has also placed significant pressure on the country's environmental resources, particularly water bodies. This is a narrative literature review with a thematic synthesis of the evidence on the relationships between urbanization, industrialization, water contamination, and public health in Nigeria. It shows that expanding urban populations and industrial activities are placing increasing pressure on water resources, leading to widespread pollution of surface water, groundwater, and coastal systems. Key drivers include inadequate sanitation, poor waste management, unregulated industrial discharges, deforestation, and weak environmental governance. These processes introduce biological contaminants, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and emerging pollutants into water systems, significantly reducing water quality and availability. The findings highlight that water contamination is both an environmental and public health crisis, contributing to the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, diarrheal illnesses, as well as long-term chronic conditions including kidney damage, neurological disorders, developmental impairments, and cancer. Vulnerable populations particularly children, women, and low-income urban households bear a disproportionate burden due to higher exposure and limited access to safe water and healthcare services. The study further emphasizes that climate change intensifies these risks through flooding and drought, which exacerbate contamination and disease transmission. In Nigeria, rapid urban growth and industrial expansion have outpaced infrastructure development, resulting in widespread reliance on unsafe water sources and increasing disease outbreaks. The study concludes that addressing water contamination requires integrated interventions, including strengthened environmental regulation, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, and enhanced public health surveillance. Coordinated action among government, private sector, and development partners is essential to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable water security and public health protection.
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