The Federal Government has reaffirmed the critical role of water as a catalyst for national development. This message resonated at the Lokoja Dialogues forum held today at the Rotunda Hall, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Delivering her address, the Wife of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, who was represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Her Excellency Hajia Nana Shetima, highlighted that the Lokoja Dialogues aims to address water-related challenges in communities. She stressed that the initiative connects communities, defines challenges, and links them to policy, partnerships, and investment pathways that drive sustainable water solutions, breaking the cycle of water scarcity and climate-driven poverty.
The First Lady noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, emphasizing the importance of integrating knowledge, compassion, policy, and practice to achieve community sustainability. She added that families across the country seek better 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 highlighted the interconnection between water and development, particularly in ecosystems, energy, and food security.
Prof. Utsev explained that forests, wetlands, and river basins regulate water supply and purification, while hydropower and thermal plants rely on sufficient water for electricity generation and cooling.
He further emphasized that water and food security underpin rural resilience and national stability, ensuring robust agricultural productivity, sustaining livelihoods, and enabling economic diversification. He called for deliberate policies that integrate water management across all sectors.
In his goodwill message, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, stated that closing water gaps in the country requires collective effort, strong partnerships, and effective financial mechanisms from all stakeholders, particularly states and local governments.
Speaking at the event, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, affirmed that Nigeria will continue to collaborate with development partners and other countries to tackle climate change and water scarcity in communities nationwide.
Earlier, Mrs. Polly Alakija, Chief Executive Officer of Lokoja Dialogues, explained that the event provides a platform for critical stakeholders in the water sector and policymakers to chart a way forward in addressing the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and to take firm action in tackling water scarcity across the country.
The keynote address was delivered by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Water Envoy, Her Excellency Retno Marsudi.
The Lokoja Dialogues convened senior government officials, academia, media, private sector representatives, political leaders, and His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, Emir of Argungu and Patron of Lokoja Dialogues.
A highlight of the event was a unique presentation by pupils from the Bethharbel Foundation Free IDP Elementary School.
The event was officially opened by Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Press and Public Relations
26 November 2025
