Access Bank brings clean water to underserved communities

Access Bank has kicked off a major initiative to bring clean, safe water to underserved communities, offering relief to millions of Nigerians who struggle daily to fetch water from unsafe sources.

Implemented in partnership with HACEY, a development organisation focused on health and social impact, the project goes beyond drilling boreholes to include community engagement, education, and sustainability measures.

The first phase targeted ten communities in Ogun State—Arogun, Omu Ishoko, Kemta, Ajibode, Aleku, Ogunrun, Oniwawa, Okeran, Abaren, and Afojupa—installing modern boreholes to ensure year-round access to safe water. Residents were trained on hygiene, system maintenance, and disease prevention, while local committees were established to oversee the facilities’ long-term functionality.

“The impact has been immediate and visible. Communities that once depended on contaminated water now have reliable sources close to their homes,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access Holdings Plc. “Our commitment to community development is unwavering, and we believe access to clean water is a fundamental right that drives progress.”

The project has already delivered tangible benefits. Health centres report a decline in waterborne diseases, school attendance has improved—particularly for girls—and families spend less time on survival activities and more on productive work, including farming and trade. Nigeria’s water challenges remain severe.

According to UNICEF, only 3 percent of urban households had pipe-borne water in 2015, down from 32 percent in 1990. Rural communities face even steeper challenges, compounded by climate change, rapid population growth, and limited government investment.

By aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Access Bank’s initiative demonstrates the potential of private-sector action to complement public efforts. “The Clean Water Project shows how collaboration between business, government, and communities can achieve lasting social change,” Graham added.

Communities like Arogun and Oniwawa are already feeling the difference. Children return to school healthier and more consistent in attendance, while women freed from long water treks have started small businesses and taken active roles in borehole management.

Through continuous monitoring, collaboration with local authorities, and capacity-building programmes, Access Bank ensures that the systems remain functional and communities remain empowered. The Bank’s efforts extend beyond infrastructure, pushing for broader national investment in water and sanitation.

The Access Clean Water Project is more than a borehole initiative; it is a blueprint for sustainable development, healthier communities, and empowered residents—demonstrating that private institutions can play a pivotal role in bridging Nigeria’s water gap.