69m Nigerians Can’t Access Safe Drinking Water —UNICEF

More than 69 million Nigerians are without access to safe drinking water, says the United Nation’s Children’s Educational Fund (UNICEF).

This was contained in a statement by the global body as the world marks the International World Water Day.

According to statement, a recent Multiple Indicator Survey (MICS), conducted by the government of Nigeria in 2016/17, showed that 40 percent of households and 19 million people in rural areas walked long distances to get safe water from lakes, streams and river.

“Children without access to safe water are more likely to die in infancy and throughout childhood from waterborne diseases,” the statement read.

“Diarrhea remains the leading cause of death among children under five years of age in Nigeria.”