The Nigerian government has launched an ambitious initiative to strengthen the country's water resilience against climate change, with potential to significantly boost economic growth and reduce conflicts.
High-Level Launch for Water Security Platform
The Lokoja Dialogues, an independent non-profit platform, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday in Abuja with participation from multiple government ministries and development partners. The initiative aims to apply a Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus approach to community challenges across Nigeria.
The launch was coordinated by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and attracted stakeholders from the Ministries of Water Resources, Foreign Affairs, Finance, along with development partners and private sector representatives.
Economic Benefits and Government Commitment
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who performed the launch on behalf of Budget and Economic Planning Minister Senator Abubakar Bagudu, described the initiative as both timely and strategic.
Reversing water scarcity could boost Nigeria's economic growth by up to six percent annually, according to Minister Edun. He emphasized that water availability directly influences economic pressure on households and local communities.
The minister highlighted additional peace benefits, noting that reduced farmer-herder conflicts could unlock as much as $13.7 billion annually for the Nigerian economy.
Under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the government committed to supporting initiatives that promise better opportunities for people, with particular focus on inclusivity and local community involvement.
Broad Support and Human-Centered Approach
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Vice President Hajiya Nana Shettima, commended the initiative's focus on crucial aspects of life. She emphasized the human impact at the center of the program, stating that families seek better access to clean water, food and energy.
The First Lady noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to enhance quality of life for all Nigerians through unity, compassion and purposeful action.
Addressing Nigeria's Water Paradox
Mrs Polly Alakija, Chief Executive Officer of Lokoja Dialogues, framed the climate crisis as fundamentally a water crisis. Nigeria faces a paradox of being one of Africa's countries with the most fresh water, yet struggling with access issues.
"Our problem is not about availability; it is about access," Alakija stated. "As the population increases, the battle against climate change increases and water stress increases. Our broken poverty cycle has become a water cycle."
The Lokoja Dialogues platform aims to transform community-defined challenges into opportunities by surfacing lived realities of farmers, herders, women and local leaders, making them visible to policymakers, investors and partners.
Technical and Historical Perspectives
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, reinforced the need for technical and community alignment, describing water as "the lifeblood that sustains our ecosystem, empowers our economy and nourishes our people."
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, provided historical context, reminding attendees that Africa's history is inextricably tied to water and water systems.
The launch comes as Nigeria confronts climate change challenges that necessitate more sustainable use of available water resources to support agriculture, power generation and environmental cleanliness.
