‘Water crisis threatens Nigeria’s economic growth’

Nigeria's water crisis is not just an environmental issue but an economic one, threatening growth across various sectors, organisers of an international exhibition have warned. The Stories of a Broken Water Cycle exhibition, part of the Lokoja Dialogues initiative, will be held in Copenhagen from October 8 to 22, 2026. The exhibition aims to highlight how unreliable water systems are jeopardising agriculture, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, urban development, and investment in the country.

Polly Alakija, Trustee and CEO of Lokoja Dialogues, emphasised that while Nigeria is often referred to as a "water paradise," it is experiencing severe water stress due to poor management, financing, and sustainability of water resources. The challenge lies not just in the availability or absence of water, but in how these systems are managed, connected, financed, and sustained.

The organisers argue that water is a critical input across major areas of the economy, and disruptions could raise operating costs, undermine livelihoods, and discourage investment. The exhibition will explore how to finance sustainable and affordable water infrastructure, addressing the economic burden of water insecurity, particularly on women who often bear the responsibility for water collection and management.

The Copenhagen event will bring together policymakers, businesses, investors, researchers, and young people to discuss water stress, infrastructure, financing, women's role in water governance, sustainable cities, AI in water security, agriculture, and water diplomacy.