The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged the Federal Government to formally integrate water security into Nigeria’s national security framework.
Utsev made the call on Monday while delivering a lecture titled “Water Resources Management and Sanitation as Catalysts for Sustainable National Development and Security in Nigeria” at the National Defence College in Abuja.
The minister warned that challenges such as flooding, drought, inadequate access to safe water, poor sanitation and climate change could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s security and economic stability.
According to him, competition over scarce water resources could worsen tensions among communities, while water-related disasters could lead to displacement, public health emergencies and the destruction of livelihoods.
“Water security is national security,” Utsev declared, stressing that sustainable management of the country’s water resources should no longer be viewed solely as a development concern.
He disclosed that the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook had identified 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory as being at high risk of flooding.
Utsev said the situation required improved preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger cooperation among ministries and agencies responsible for water, agriculture, health, environment and security.
The minister also linked water security to food production, noting that irrigation was becoming increasingly important as rainfall patterns became less predictable.
He revealed that about 154,000 hectares of irrigable land were currently supporting more than 1.6 million farmers, while the government was working to expand irrigation coverage.
He said strengthening the River Basin Development Authorities would also be crucial to improving irrigation, fisheries, rural water supply, flood management, employment and agro-processing.
Utsev further announced that the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation was developing a National Water Compact for 2026–2030 to coordinate the country’s water and sanitation interventions.
The proposed framework will focus on three major areas: Water for People, Water for Food and Water for the Planet.
READ ALSO: Wike Blames Abuja Flooding On Illegal Construction, Climate Change
He explained that the first pillar would address access to safe water and sanitation, the second would focus on irrigation and food security, while the third would promote climate resilience and sustainable management of water resources.
The minister said the initiative would involve federal and state governments, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, private-sector organisations, development partners, civil society groups and local communities.
He also called for stronger water diplomacy and cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly in managing shared water resources.
Utsev identified five key areas for improving Nigeria’s water security: incorporating water security into national security planning, strengthening intergovernmental coordination, increasing investment and sustainable financing, improving climate resilience and water intelligence, and empowering women and young people.
He maintained that protecting water resources and improving access to safe water and sanitation were essential to Nigeria’s long-term stability.
Responding to the lecture, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, agreed that water security had become an important national security issue.
Ahmed identified flooding, drought and conflicts linked to natural resources as growing security concerns, urging greater use of Nigeria’s freshwater resources and increased international cooperation in managing shared water systems.
The lecture was attended by senior officials and faculty members of the National Defence College.