REPORT ON NATIONAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ON WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND MADE IN NIGERIA PROJECT INAUGURATION, HELD AT ALIYU AKWE BANQUET HALL, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LAFIA | 11–12 MAY 2026

The Made in Nigeria Project Office has released its official report on the successful conclusion of the National Stakeholder Engagement on Water Resources Management, alongside the Inauguration and Strategic Retreat of the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project State Executive Council, held on 11–12 May 2026 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The high-level engagement marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts toward economic transformation, industrial development, sustainable water governance, and enhanced global positioning ahead of the Singapore Water Summit 2026.

Hosted by the Government of Nasarawa State under the leadership of His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the programme brought together policymakers, development partners, investors, water sector experts, MDAs, private sector leaders, and project coordinators from across Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION AND STRATEGIC CONTEXT

The combined events served as a multi-sectoral platform for:

• Policy dialogue and institutional coordination

• Capacity building for project implementation teams

• Strengthening of national and state structures under the Made in Nigeria Project

• Advancement of sustainable water governance frameworks

• Investment mobilization for industrial and environmental development

The engagements aligned with national reform priorities driven by the Federal Government and coordinated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), particularly in the areas of industrialization, local content development, and economic diversification.

CORE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme was designed to achieve the following strategic objectives:

• Formal inauguration of national and state structures of the Made in Nigeria Project

• Strategic orientation and retreat for project officials and coordinators

• Strengthening intergovernmental collaboration between federal and state institutions

• Promotion of local production, industrialization, and national branding

• Development of implementation frameworks and performance indicators

• Mobilization of investors, development partners, and stakeholders

• Preparation for Nigeria’s participation in the Singapore Water Summit 2026

• Advancement of sustainable water resources management strategies

• Positioning Nasarawa State as a strategic investment destination

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENTS

1. Official Inauguration of the Made in Nigeria Project Structures

The inauguration formally unveiled operational frameworks at both the national and state levels. Key activities included:

• Presentation of project mandates and strategic objectives

• Introduction of state coordinators and implementation teams

• Stakeholder commitment to support local industries and SMEs

• Advocacy for increased consumption of Nigerian-made goods

The initiative was reaffirmed as a national intervention aimed at:

• Expanding local manufacturing capacity

• Creating employment opportunities

• Reducing import dependency

• Strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness

• Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation

2. Decoration of the Nasarawa State Governor as Grand Patron

A key ceremonial highlight was the decoration of His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, as Grand Patron of the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project.

This recognition underscores the state’s leadership role in advancing industrial development, investment promotion, and national branding initiatives.

3. Strategic Retreat and Capacity Building Sessions

The retreat provided technical sessions focused on strengthening implementation capacity. Key thematic areas included:

• Implementation frameworks and operational structures

• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems

• Stakeholder engagement strategies

• Financial sustainability and resource mobilization

• Public-private partnership models

• Communication and media engagement strategies

• Institutional coordination mechanisms

Participants described the retreat as highly impactful, producing actionable policy and implementation recommendations.

4. National Stakeholder Engagement on Water Resources Management

This segment focused on sustainable water governance and Nigeria’s preparations for the Singapore Water Summit 2026.

Key discussion areas included:

• Integrated water resources management

• Climate change adaptation and water security

• Irrigation and agricultural productivity enhancement

• Flood and drought risk mitigation strategies

• Water infrastructure development

• Digital innovation in water governance

• Public-private partnership opportunities

• International cooperation and investment frameworks

The engagement produced preliminary policy directions to guide Nigeria’s participation at the global summit.

MAJOR OUTCOMES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Institutional Strengthening

The programme successfully established and strengthened operational structures for the nationwide implementation of the Made in Nigeria Project.

Increased Stakeholder Commitment

Strong commitments were recorded from:

• Federal and state governments

• Development partners

• Private sector actors

• Investors and SMEs

• Water sector professionals

Strategic Partnerships

New partnerships emerged across:

• Government institutions

• Investment agencies

• Manufacturing sector stakeholders

• Water resource experts

• Development organizations

PUBLIC IMPACT AND VISIBILITY

The events significantly increased national visibility for:

• The Made in Nigeria Project

• National branding and industrialization agenda

• Water resources development initiatives

• Investment opportunities in Nasarawa State

A key highlight was the allocation of land by the Nasarawa State Government for the establishment of the National Products Processing, Brand Packaging Centre, and Warehouse, reinforcing long-term industrial development plans.

DEVELOPMENT OF ACTION PLANS

Comprehensive implementation roadmaps were developed covering:

• State-level implementation structures

• Monitoring and evaluation frameworks

• Resource mobilization strategies

• Public engagement and awareness campaigns

• International participation strategy for Singapore Water Summit 2026

• Investment Promotion Strategy for Nasarawa State

OVERALL OUTCOME

The programme reinforced Nasarawa State’s growing reputation as a:

• Strategic investment destination

• Policy innovation hub

• Industrial development centre

This aligns with broader state-level initiatives, including investment summits and industrial policy reforms aimed at accelerating economic growth.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

The success of the programme was driven by:

• Strong multi-stakeholder participation

• Effective coordination and logistics

• Structured and well-moderated sessions

• Active engagement across sectors

• Strong government support and hospitality

Participants included government officials, private sector leaders, traditional rulers, academia, civil society, and international development partners.

POLICY IMPACT

The engagement produced recommendations expected to:

• Strengthen local industrial development

• Improve national branding systems

• Enhance water governance frameworks

• Expand investment opportunities

• Support sustainable economic growth

Participants expressed renewed confidence in Nigeria’s industrial potential and coordinated development strategy.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Sustained funding for the Made in Nigeria Project

• Stronger federal–state collaboration

• Increased private sector participation

• Establishment of state implementation committees

• Nationwide public awareness on local product patronage

• Continuous capacity building for officials

• Strengthening water sector investments and policies

• Coordinated preparation for Singapore Water Summit 2026

• Institutionalized monitoring and evaluation systems

• Expanded partnerships with international organizations

CONCLUSION

The successful hosting of the National Stakeholder Engagement on Water Resources Management and the Made in Nigeria Project Inauguration and Retreat in Lafia represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s pursuit of industrial transformation, sustainable resource management, and global engagement.

The programme provided a strong foundation for policy implementation, stakeholder alignment, and investment mobilization, while further strengthening Nasarawa State’s position as a strategic hub for national development.

With sustained collaboration among stakeholders, the outcomes are expected to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic diversification, industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and global competitiveness.

NEXT STEPS

• The next engagement is scheduled for Kogi State

• Abia State is expected to finalize preparations for its programme in October 2026

• Delegates for the Singapore Water Summit 2026 are required to complete documentation and payments for early processing and arrangements