Abuja: The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has emphasized the need for integrating water security into Nigeria’s national security architecture. Utsev delivered this message during a lecture titled, ‘Water Resources Management and Sanitation as Catalysts for Sustainable National Development and Security in Nigeria’, at the National Defence College, Abuja, on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Utsev highlighted that access to safe water and sanitation is crucial for public health, food security, economic stability, and national resilience. He urged Nigeria to elevate water concerns from mere developmental issues to strategic national security priorities. The minister warned of the potential consequences of water insecurity, including unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, flooding, drought, and climate variability, which could lead to public health emergencies and population displacement.
Utsev underscored the significance of River Basin Development Authorities in various sectors such as irrigation, agriculture, fisheries, rural water supply, flood control, job creation, and agro-processing. He pointed out that irrigation development plays a vital role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on inconsistent rainfall patterns, with 154,000 hectares of irrigable land currently benefiting over 1.6 million farmers. The minister also disclosed efforts to expand irrigation coverage.
In addressing flood risks, Utsev referenced the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, which identified 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas across 30 states and the FCT as high flood-risk areas. He advocated for stronger coordination among water, agriculture, health, environment, and security sectors, along with increased investment and effective regulation to bolster water security.
The minister shared that the ministry is in the process of developing a National Water Compact for 2026-2030, aimed at harmonizing Nigeria’s water and sanitation policies and interventions. This Compact will focus on three strategic pillars: Water for People, Water for Food, and Water for the Planet, addressing safe water and sanitation, irrigation and food security, and climate resilience and sustainable water resources management.
Utsev emphasized the importance of water diplomacy and transboundary cooperation, highlighting Nigeria’s shared water resources with neighboring countries. He called for stronger regional collaboration to promote stability, economic growth, and sustainable development. The minister outlined five priorities for strengthening water security: integrating water security into national security planning, strengthening coordination across government, increasing strategic investment and sustainable financing, building climate resilience and national water intelligence, and developing women and youth capacity.
Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Commandant of the National Defence College, commended Utsev for his insightful presentation, acknowledging the link between water security and national security. He pointed out flooding, drought, and resource-based conflicts as significant security concerns and advocated for greater utilization of Nigeria’s freshwater resources. The commandant also emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation in managing shared water systems.
The minister was accompanied by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ali Dallah; Director of Water Supply and Support Services, Mr. Babarinde Mukaila; and Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mr. Habu Jamilu.