Lokoja in Talks to Strengthen Nigeria’s Water Resilience

News in brief:

-Government and partners launch Lokoja Dialogues to advance local solutions for water security and climate resilience.

-Initiative targets reduced conflicts, improved livelihoods, and inclusive development nationwide.

The Federal Government has called for collective action to bolster Nigeria’s water and climate resilience, emphasising the need to unlock new opportunities for local communities.

The message was delivered during the launch of the Lokoja Dialogues, an independent, non-profit platform dedicated to strengthening national resilience through the Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus approach to community challenges.

Initiative Draws Broad Government, Private Sector Support

The launch, coordinated by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, attracted delegates from key ministries including Water Resources, Foreign Affairs and Finance, alongside development partners and private-sector stakeholders.

Performing the unveiling on behalf of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, described the initiative as timely and strategic to national development.

He said improved water access can ease economic pressures on households and boost national productivity.

“Reversing water scarcity can boost Nigeria’s growth by up to six per cent annually. The associated peace dividend through reduced farmers–herders conflicts can unlock as much as $13.7 billion annually,” Wale Edun stated.

Edun added that the Renewed Hope Agenda aims not only to reform the economy but also to drive inclusive development for all Nigerians.

First Lady Applauds Community-Centred Solutions

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, commended the organisers for prioritising clean water, food, and energy systems that improve the quality of life.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Lokoja Dialogues, Mrs Polly Alakija, said the global climate crisis is fundamentally a water crisis.

She stressed that Nigeria’s challenge is not scarcity but access, as rising population, climate threats and water stress continue to intensify.

“Our problem is not about availability; it is about access… Our broken poverty cycle has become a water cycle,” Polly Alakija said.

She noted that the platform will elevate community obstacles into actionable opportunities for policymakers and investors, generating home-grown solutions for water security and sustainable economic systems.

Ministers Emphasise Water’s Central Role in Development

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Terlumun Utsev, highlighted the importance of aligning technology with local realities.

“Water is the lifeblood that sustains our ecosystem, empowers our economy and nourishes our people,” Engr Utsev stated.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar added that Africa’s history and progress remain deeply rooted in water systems and access.

Nigeria continues to confront climate-related challenges and is prioritising sustainable water management to support agriculture, energy generation and environmental health.