The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for water security to be included in Nigeria’s national security plans.
Utsev made the call while delivering a lecture at the National Defence College in Abuja.
He said water security was critical to public health, food security, economic growth and national stability.
The Minister warned that water shortages, poor sanitation, flooding and drought could cause diseases, displacement, conflicts and loss of livelihoods.
He said climate change was increasing the risks of flooding and drought, making urgent action necessary.
Utsev highlighted the role of River Basin Development Authorities in irrigation, agriculture, rural water supply, flood control and job creation.
He said irrigation was important to increasing food production and reducing dependence on rainfall.
The Minister stated that about 154,000 hectares of irrigable land currently benefit more than 1.6 million farmers.
He also said the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook identified 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs across 30 states and the FCT as high flood-risk areas.
Utsev called for stronger cooperation among the water, agriculture, health, environment and security sectors.
He announced that the Ministry was developing a National Water Compact for 2026–2030 to coordinate water and sanitation programmes.
He said the Compact would focus on Water for People, Water for Food and Water for the Planet.
The Minister also called for stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries on shared water resources.
Responding, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, commended the Minister, saying water security was essential to Nigeria’s national security.
