A fellow of United Nations Millennium Campus Network Advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Ezekiel Juwon Omojasola, has underscored the growing importance of data-driven technologies in addressing groundwater contamination, particularly in rapidly expanding urban centres.
Omojasola who is an advocate on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s water security, groundwater expert and sustainability, noted that while rural water scarcity often dominates public attention, a more complex and largely invisible crisis is unfolding beneath Nigeria’s cities.
According to him, Groundwater contamination has evolved beyond a rural concern into a sophisticated urban challenge affecting millions of Nigerians who depend on private boreholes for daily water needs especially in major industrial hubs such as Lagos to the expanding metropolitan landscape of Abuja.
The Millennium fellow disclosed that between recent field assessments and sector-wide studies, it has been observed that contamination in rural areas often stems from agricultural runoff and poorly sited sanitation facilities.
“However, in urban environments, aging sewage infrastructure, industrial chemical discharge, and inadequate waste management systems have emerged as the dominant contributors to groundwater pollution.
”The interconnected nature of groundwater systems means contamination does not remain confined to a single location. Pollutants migrate silently through aquifers, carrying pathogens and heavy metals into homes, schools, and businesses far beyond their original sources.”
Ezekiel asserted that drawing from his experience and working with water-sanitation institutions the most effective groundwater interventions prioritize both immediate relief and long-term sustainability.
“These approaches include groundwater purification, frequent well assessments, and adherence to globally recognized water quality benchmarks.”
He stressed the need to move beyond traditional reactive methods, to increasingly adopt data-driven solutions such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
“These technologies, enable accurate mapping of contamination risks, continuous monitoring of groundwater quality, and informed decision-making that protects communities.”
He advocated the need for stronger engagement from young geologists, geophysicists, and hydrologists, noting that bridging the gap between academic theory and technical application is essential for addressing modern hydro-environmental challenges.
Ezekiel concluded that, building robust data-driven groundwater management systems is not a one-person effort. It requires a coordinated national culture of responsibility involving government agencies, technical experts, and local communities.
”Achieving water security in Nigeria goes beyond drilling more wells. It demands the intelligent application of technology, environmental accountability, and a collective commitment to safeguarding groundwater resources for public health, education, and economic stability.”