diff --git a/utils/skygw_debug.h b/utils/skygw_debug.h
index da0129dbd..19bb52e39 100644
--- a/utils/skygw_debug.h
+++ b/utils/skygw_debug.h
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
  */
 
 #include <stdio.h>
+#include <stdlib.h>
 #include <assert.h>
 
 #define __USE_UNIX98 1