FG reaffirms water as engine of national growth

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Federal Government has restated that water remains a powerful catalyst for Nigeria’s development, declaring that no nation can grow without securing this vital resource.

This position was re-echoed yesterday in Abuja at the Lokoja Dialogues forum, held at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, said the initiative was created to tackle the daily water challenges confronting many communities.

She noted that the Lokoja Dialogues connects communities to policymakers and investors, with the aim of breaking the cycle of water scarcity, climate-driven poverty, and poor access to basic amenities.

She stressed that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises practical solutions that improve access to clean water, food, and energy for families across the nation.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, described water as “the lifeblood that sustains ecosystems, powers our economy, and nourishes our people.”

He explained that Nigeria’s forests, wetlands, and river basins play a key role in water regulation, while hydropower and thermal plants depend heavily on water for electricity generation.

Prof. Utsev added that water and food security are central to rural resilience and national stability, calling for deliberate, cross-sector policies to ensure sustainable management of the resource.

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, stressed that bridging Nigeria’s water gaps requires strong partnerships, financial innovation, and collaboration among all levels of government.

On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, assured that Nigeria will continue to work with global partners to combat climate change and tackle water scarcity.

Earlier, CEO of Lokoja Dialogues, Mrs Polly Alakija, said the forum brings together policymakers and water-sector experts to chart solutions to the climate-related challenges affecting livelihoods across the country.

The keynote address was delivered by the UN Secretary-General’s Water Envoy, Her Excellency Retno Marsudi.

The event brought together senior government officials, academics, the private sector, the media, and His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, Emir of Argungu and Patron of Lokoja Dialogues. A special presentation by pupils of the Bethharbel Foundation Free IDP Elementary School added colour to the event.

Mr Wale Edun officially declared the forum open on behalf of the Minister of Budget and National Planning.