Kano, Nigeria – July 15, 2026: Self Help Africa (SHA) has celebrated two years of implementing the WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, highlighting remarkable achievements in improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Kano and Cross River States.
Since its launch in 2024 with funding support from the UK Government, the programme has shifted beyond infrastructure development to strengthening governance, financing, and institutional systems for sustainable WASH service delivery.
According to the organisation, the programme has restored or improved access to safe drinking water for 187,575 people through the rehabilitation of 51 solar-powered boreholes in Makoda Local Government Area of Kano State and Yala LGA of Cross River State.
In sanitation, the initiative facilitated the construction of 12,642 improved household toilets, benefiting more than 151,000 residents in Makoda LGA, while supporting 50 toilet business owners with financing that enabled them to secure ₦35 million to expand their businesses. In Yala LGA, over 5,720 household toilets were also constructed.
The programme also recorded significant policy and financing milestones. Kano State increased its WASH budget by 169.07% in the 2026 fiscal year, while Cross River State recorded a 211% increase. Makoda LGA raised its WASH allocation by 32.9%, and Kano State committed over ₦1 billion towards pro-poor sanitation subsidies.
Speaking on the achievements, Self Help Africa's Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme has demonstrated that lasting improvements in WASH require strong institutions, committed leadership, adequate financing, and effective collaboration.
To sustain the gains recorded, Self Help Africa announced continued investments through complementary projects, including the Optimising the Benefits of In-line Chlorination (OPTIC) and Dispensers for Sustainable Rural Water in Nigeria (DiSuRWiN) initiatives. The organisation also supported the development of eight strategic WASH policy documents and strengthened state and local coordination structures to ensure long-term sustainability.
Self Help Africa reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments and development partners to build resilient WASH systems that will continue to improve the health and well-being of communities across Nigeria.
