The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, F.ASCE, FAEng, MFR has called for stronger water governance, increased investment and innovative engineering solutions to address Nigeria’s growing water security challenges. He made the call on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the 9th Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE) International Water Conference 2026, held at the National Engineering Centre, Abuja, with the theme, “Effective Water Governance and Security: Innovating for a Resilient Future.”
Engr Rabiu described water as fundamental to human existence, public health, food security, industrial development, economic growth and environmental sustainability, noting that Nigeria’s water resources are under increasing pressure from climate change, rapid urbanisation and population growth.
The NSE President said that despite Nigeria’s considerable water resources, the country continues to face inadequate infrastructure, pollution, flooding, drought, inefficient distribution networks, poor management systems and limited investment. He stressed that achieving sustainable water security requires a departure from conventional approaches, urging Engineers and other stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and climate-resilient infrastructure.
He advocated stronger collaboration among government institutions, professional bodies, academia, the private sector and international development partners, while promoting integrated water resources management that recognises the interrelationship between water, energy, agriculture, the environment and human development. He reaffirmed NSE’s commitment to supporting research, knowledge exchange, professional excellence and sustainable infrastructure development in the water sector.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dala, congratulated NIWE for sustaining its international conference as a platform for professional dialogue and knowledge exchange, describing the theme as timely and strategic to Nigeria’s critical national development agenda.
Engr Dala stated that water remains central to national development and disclosed that the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, is repositioning the water sector as a major driver of economic and social development. According to him, government is focusing on expanding access to water, promoting dam safety, strengthening irrigation and improving flood management through stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, academia and development partners.
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Earlier, the National Chairman of NIWE, Engr. Joshua T. Sanga, FNSE, FNIWE, said Nigeria’s water sector faces complex challenges, including inadequate access to safe water, sanitation deficits, flooding, drought, groundwater depletion, climate variability, ageing infrastructure and increasing pressure on available water resources. He said the challenges require innovative and resilient solutions supported by effective water governance and strong professional leadership.
Sanga disclosed that NIWE’s membership increased from 516 in 2024 to 771 in 2026, representing a 49 per cent growth, which he said reflects the increasing visibility and relevance of the Institution. He also noted that NIWE had successfully inaugurated new Chapters in Bauchi, Kaduna, Awka and Ilorin, further expanding its professional reach across the country.
Highlights of the conference included technical presentations, professional discourse and stakeholder engagement on Nigeria’s water future. Another major highlight was the presentation of a special award to the NSE President by the National Chairman of NIWE, Engr. Joshua T. Sanga, FNSE, FNIWE, in recognition of his support, encouragement and contributions to the growth of NIWE. The conference also featured a goodwill message by a Past President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Kashim Ali, FNSE, FAEng, mni, who commended NIWE for its continued contribution to professional development and the advancement of water engineering in Nigeria.
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