In a proactive effort to safeguard public health and ensure access to clean drinking water, the Federal Government has appealed to development partners and stakeholders for support in scaling up the production and distribution of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) vials—a vital tool for detecting bacterial contamination in water sources across Nigeria.
The appeal was made by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, during the quarterly meeting of the National Core Group on Water Quality held in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Mrs. Ugoh, H₂S vials offer a simple and cost-effective method for identifying harmful bacteria, particularly those originating from faecal contamination. She explained that the technology is essential for monitoring water quality in both rural and urban settings, where laboratory infrastructure may be limited or inaccessible.
“These vials serve as an early-warning system, helping us identify unsafe water before it poses serious health risks to communities,” she said. “They are easy to use, affordable, and ideal for field application, especially in underserved and remote areas.”
Ugoh highlighted the success of pilot programs implemented in selected states through the support of UNICEF, noting that the results have demonstrated the effectiveness of H₂S vials in rapidly detecting contamination and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
“The pilot phase in UNICEF-supported states has proven that these vials work. The results are promising, and they show great potential for national adoption,” she stated. “However, despite the evident benefits, our efforts to expand their use have been hampered by limited funding.”
To address this gap, the Ministry has initiated plans for a comprehensive needs assessment to guide the nationwide rollout of the testing kits. The assessment will evaluate the volume of vials required, logistical requirements for distribution, capacity-building needs, and mechanisms for sustained monitoring and evaluation. However, the execution of this plan is currently constrained by budgetary limitations.
Mrs. Ugoh therefore called on donor agencies, international partners, and private sector players in the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) space to rally behind the initiative, describing it as a life-saving intervention that requires urgent attention and collective action.
“We cannot afford to delay. Unsafe drinking water continues to endanger lives, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. We urge our partners to support the large-scale production and distribution of H₂S vials. Your contributions will directly strengthen Nigeria’s water safety efforts and help prevent disease outbreaks,” she emphasized.
The meeting brought together government officials, water quality experts, and representatives from development organizations to discuss strategies for improving water safety across the country. Key areas of focus included innovations in water testing, expanding access to low-cost technologies, and strengthening community engagement in water quality surveillance.
With waterborne diseases remaining a major public health concern in many parts of Nigeria, the push for scalable, low-tech solutions like hydrogen sulphide vials marks a significant shift toward inclusive, preventive water management strategies. The Ministry’s appeal aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6—ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward universal access to safe water, collaborative action will be key. The Federal Government’s call for support reflects a growing consensus that water safety is not just a governmental responsibility—it is a shared obligation that demands urgent, united efforts.