FG Reaffirms Water as Foundation of Nigeria’s Development, Calls for Unified Action at Lokoja Dialogues
The Federal Government has reaffirmed the critical role of water as the foundation of Nigeria’s sustainable development, a message that formed the cornerstone of the Lokoja Dialogues held on Thursday at the Rotunda Hall of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Delivering her address, the Wife of the President, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON—represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Her Excellency Hajia Nana Shettima, said the Lokoja Dialogues was designed to tackle water-related challenges across communities.
She explained that the initiative identifies community needs, defines water challenges, and connects them to policy options, partnerships, and investment pathways that deliver lasting solutions. The First Lady added that the programme aims to break cycles of water scarcity and climate-driven poverty.
According to a statement signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Press and Public Relations, the First Lady noted that the initiative aligns strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises harmonizing knowledge, compassion, policy, and practice to build sustainable communities. She further stressed that Nigerian families continue to yearn for improved access to clean water, food, and energy.
In a goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, described water as “the lifeblood that sustains ecosystems, powers our economy, and nourishes our people.” He underscored the interdependence between water and development, noting its role in ecosystem balance, energy production, and food security.
Prof. Utsev explained that forests, wetlands, and river basins naturally regulate water supply and purification, while hydropower and thermal plants depend on reliable water sources for electricity generation. He called for deliberate, integrated water management policies across all sectors to strengthen resilience and economic diversification.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized that bridging Nigeria’s water gaps requires collective effort, strong partnerships, and effective financing strategies—particularly from states and local governments.
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with development partners and the global community to address climate change impacts and water scarcity nationwide.
Earlier, Mrs. Polly Alakija, Chief Executive Officer of Lokoja Dialogues, highlighted that the platform brings together key stakeholders in the water sector to address the growing impacts of climate change on livelihoods and develop sustainable strategies to combat water scarcity.
The keynote address was delivered by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Water Envoy, Her Excellency Retno Marsudi.
The forum convened senior government officials, academics, media professionals, private sector leaders, political actors, and His Royal Highness Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, Emir of Argungu and Patron of Lokoja Dialogues.
A memorable moment at the event was a special performance by pupils of the Bethharbel Foundation Free IDP Elementary School.
The event was officially opened by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning.
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