Examining households’ expenditure patterns on water, sanitation, and hygiene services in urban slums in Southeast Nigeria

Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is essential for human health and wellbeing. However, many households in slum settlements lack access to WASH and are exposed to adverse health effects. Understanding household expenditure and equality in access to WASH is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions to improve access to such services. This paper offers new insights into household expenditures and equality in access to WASH services in urban slums in Nigeria.

This CHORUS Innovation Fund study highlights the significant financial burden that households in urban slums face in accessing WASH, which can lead to a decrease in their use. Decision-makers should consider targeted subsidies for water and sanitation services, promote hygiene awareness in low-income households, and invest in affordable WASH infrastructure.

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Ezenwaka U, Onwujekwe O, Nwokolo C and de Siqueira Filha NT (2025) Examining households’ expenditure patterns on water, sanitation, and hygiene services in urban slums in Southeast Nigeria. Front. Water 7:1632720. doi: 10.3389/frwa.2025.1632720