In early 2025, the United States government, under President Donald Trump's administration, implemented a 90-day review and freeze on foreign aid which included significant projects supported by USAID in Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. This abrupt halt has far-reaching implications, affecting numerous crucial developmental initiatives across the nation, stalling various water projects and jeopardizing sanitation efforts that are vital for public health and welfare. The situation is particularly alarming as these disruptions could have long-lasting ramifications on the country's ability to improve water quality and sanitation services.

As a response to the loss of funding from the US, Nigerian lawmakers have approved an additional $200 million allocation for the health sector to mitigate the effects of this funding gap. The article emphasizes the urgent need for alternative resource mobilization strategies to ensure the continuity of WASH projects, highlighting two specific initiatives affected by the funding freeze. Notably, the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) initiative, which had already made strides in rehabilitating waterworks and enhancing sanitation practices in communities, is among the programs at risk due to the financial shortfall.

The freeze on foreign aid raises essential questions about the sustainability of the WASH sector in Nigeria. With the government's new allocation, there is hope for some continuity in projects, but the long-term reliance on external aid remains a concern. The article underscores the need for Nigeria to explore broader resource mobilization strategies to avoid similar crises in the future and to ensure that critical sectors like WASH do not become collateral damage in international policy decisions and budgetary freezes.