The Federal Government has warned that Nigeria’s escalating water crisis cannot be tackled by government action alone, urging active participation from communities, state governments, and development partners. More than 70 million Nigerians still lack access to clean drinking water, officials said.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, made the call on Wednesday during the public launch of the Lokoja Dialogue in Abuja, a forum designed to address the country’s persistent water challenges.

Edun emphasised the need for direct community involvement, urging people to be mobilised, incentivised, and empowered to contribute to solutions. He also highlighted the crucial role of state governments, noting that under President Tinubu, states have unprecedented financial capacity to tackle water scarcity.

“Water is life,” Edun said. “Despite progress, gaps remain. Over 70 million Nigerians still lack clean drinking water. Action must come from communities, states, and all stakeholders.”

Drawing from his experience in the Niger Delta, Edun pointed out regional disparities: contaminated water in the South and scarcity in the North due to desertification. He described water as essential to public health, food security, productivity, and national stability, stressing that financing, policy direction, partnerships, and innovative solutions are key to leaving no community behind.

Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hajiya Nana Shettima highlighted how water scarcity affects daily life, livelihoods, and food production, with women and children most vulnerable during droughts and floods. She described the Lokoja Dialogue as a platform for community-driven, sustainable water solutions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, linked water to Africa’s history, noting that Nigeria’s development and food security depend on sustainable water management. He emphasised the country’s abundant water resources, citing the historic confluence of two major rivers as central to trade and coexistence.

The Lokoja Dialogue is expected to serve as a long-term platform for addressing climate impacts, financing gaps, and sustainable water management, bringing together communities, policymakers, and development partners to craft actionable solutions.