The Federal Government has restated the crucial role of water as a driver of national development, as stakeholders gathered for the Lokoja Dialogues held at the Rotunda Hall, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Delivering her address, the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima said the initiative focuses on solving community-level water challenges.
She explained that the Lokoja Dialogues connects communities to policies, partnerships, and investments that support long-term water security, helping to break cycles of water scarcity and climate-induced poverty.
Senator Tinubu noted that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by integrating knowledge, compassion, policy, and practice to improve access to clean water, food, and energy for families nationwide.
On his part, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, described water as “the lifeblood that sustains ecosystems, powers the economy, and nourishes the people.”
He emphasized the link between water, energy, and food security, highlighting the need for policies that integrate water management across all sectors.
In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said closing Nigeria’s water gaps requires collaboration, strong partnerships, and effective financing from stakeholders, especially state and local governments.
Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with international partners to tackle climate change and water scarcity nationwide.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Lokoja Dialogues, Mrs. Polly Alakija, said the forum serves as a platform for policymakers and key players in the water sector to address climate impacts on livelihoods and advance sustainable water solutions.
The keynote address was delivered by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Water Envoy, Retno Marsudi and the event brought together senior government officials, scholars, political leaders, the private sector, the media, and traditional leaders, including the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera.
A special presentation was also made by pupils from the Bethharbel Foundation Free IDP Elementary School.
