Nigeria’s Water Crisis Poses Major Threat to Food, Energy Security — NWRI

Nigeria’s worsening water crisis could significantly undermine the nation’s food production and energy supply unless urgent steps are taken to strengthen water resource management, the Director General of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Dr Abduljalal Dan Baba, has warned.

Speaking at the 12th National Water Conference held in Kaduna, Dr Baba said climate-induced challenges—including erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, flooding, and degraded watersheds—are already taking a toll on agriculture and hydropower generation across the country.

He cautioned that Nigeria risks severe and far-reaching consequences if it fails to invest in skilled water management professionals capable of responding effectively to climate change and its impact on water systems.

“The absence of a well-trained workforce to manage our water resources is already affecting agricultural productivity and energy generation,” Baba said. “Without deliberate and sustained investment in human capacity development, the situation will only worsen.”

Representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, a director in the ministry, Jamilu Abu, reassured stakeholders of the federal government’s commitment to improving access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water nationwide.

Abu said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is prioritising policies and programmes aimed at strengthening water infrastructure, sanitation, and resilience against climate shocks. According to him, the government is determined to deliver long-term water solutions that support economic growth and public health.

Dr Baba also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in tackling water-related challenges. He disclosed that the NWRI recently signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Hungarian University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, to promote knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and climate-responsive water management practices.

Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, urged the NWRI to reduce its reliance on government funding by exploring strategic partnerships and alternative funding sources. He said the institute has the capacity to drive innovation and attract investment within the water sector if properly positioned.

The conference, themed “Water for Climate Action, Food and Energy Security,” focused on the critical link between water availability, agricultural productivity, and sustainable energy supply. Participants also called for increased investment in hydrological modelling, climate-smart irrigation systems, and early warning mechanisms to help Nigeria better anticipate and manage looming water challenges.