Nigeria's Water Minister Advocates for Hydrodiplomacy in Abuja

The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged for stronger hydrodiplomacy, regional cooperation, and strategic investments to address shared water, climate, environmental, and development challenges in the Niger and Lake Chad Basins. This call was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, during the Regional Conference on Hydrodiplomacy, Gender and Strategic Investments for Peace, Stability and Shared Prosperity in Transboundary Basins held in Abuja.

Prof. Utsev emphasized Nigeria's commitment to collaborating with the Niger Basin Authority (NBA), Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), ECOWAS, and other stakeholders to enhance water supply, sanitation, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation. Mr. Kocou Houanye, Executive Secretary of the NBA, noted that the implementation of the Integrated Development and Climate Change Adaptation Programme in the Niger Basin had reached 48.3% physically and 57% financially.

Amb. Ibrahim Babani from the LCBC highlighted the importance of women's and youth participation in water diplomacy. The conference aimed to translate discussions into actionable outcomes for peace and stability in the region.