The Nigerian Academy of Engineering revealed that less than 20 per cent of urban wastewater in Nigeria was properly managed, based on findings from a lecture titled 'Wastewater Management: Impact on Health and Environment' hosted by the academy in May 2026. NAE President Prof Ramon Bello disclosed the figure during the 2026 Pre-Apex Event in Lagos.
Bello stated that engineering solutions for wastewater and sewage management were not a luxury reserved for wealthy nations but a fundamental requirement of a just and healthy society. He called for the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative to upgrade the national grid while aggressively pursuing the energy mix agenda via solar, hydro, and other green energy schemes.
The academy highlighted that the critical state of urban sanitation posed significant risks to public health and environmental sustainability, noting that the issue required immediate attention from policymakers and engineering professionals. Bello emphasised the academy's commitment to championing wastewater management as part of the national engineering and development agenda.