The Federal Government has called on Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT to take greater ownership of the Nigeria National Water Compact 2026 to 2030. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, said states’ participation is critical to strengthening the country’s water security.

Speaking in Abuja today at a nationwide stakeholders’ consultation workshop, Prof. Utsev said water is central to public health, food security, agriculture, industry, the environment and national security. He listed major challenges to include rapid population growth, climate change, poor infrastructure and limited financing.

According to the Minister, the Compact is designed as a practical roadmap to address these challenges and deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said it was developed by a National Technical Working Committee with government, development partners, academia, civil society and the private sector, and is built around three pillars: Water for People, Water for Food Security and Water for Planet.

Prof. Utsev stressed that the Compact should be seen as a national instrument, not just a Federal Ministry document. He urged states and stakeholders to review the draft and submit practical recommendations to make it more responsive to local needs and capacities.

The Minister disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been briefed on the progress of the Compact, while efforts are ongoing to secure commitment from state governors for implementation.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the Compact as an integrated framework that will strengthen collaboration across water, health, agriculture and climate sectors. He called for clear governance, sustainable financing and equitable access for vulnerable groups.

Representatives of the World Bank and the WASH Development Partner Group also spoke. The World Bank said states will be key drivers in investment and reforms, and urged sustainable financing models beyond public funds. The WASH partners stressed political leadership, measurable results and reliable data to deliver tangible outcomes.

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, said the consultation will ensure the Compact is realistic and implementable. The meeting drew participants from federal and state governments, development partners, CSOs, the private sector, academia, women and youth groups, and other water stakeholders.