Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, calling for expanded irrigation infrastructure and inclusive water resource management across Nigeria.
The declaration was made on Monday during the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The president urged African countries to adopt innovative solutions to tackle irrigation and water management challenges.
Describing the theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” as a call to action, he highlighted issues such as poor infrastructure, financial limitations, climate change, and governance as key barriers.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around major river basins like the Niger and Benue.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, outlined the progress made under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.
He announced the upcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, developed in partnership with the World Bank, which will build on TRIMING’s achievements and expand irrigation efforts.
TRIMING, a seven-year project, saw the completion of major irrigation schemes in Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori, with 90% completion in the Middle Rima Valley.
Additional interventions were also made in several states including Ondo, Kwara, Benue, and Oyo.
The project also helped establish Water Users Associations and improved market access for crops like rice and tomatoes.
Utsev added that River Basin Development Authorities had developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being commercialized to attract private investment.
He also referred to a 2025 Flood Outlook Strategy aimed at minimizing agricultural losses from flooding.
Didi Wilson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, emphasized the need for government collaboration at all levels to ensure food security.
Former permanent secretary Godknows Igali highlighted the importance of strategic planning and proper management of water resources, especially with Nigeria’s growing population.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, raised concerns over climate change shortening farming seasons, stressing that irrigation is now essential.
He called for inclusive innovation to empower women and youth in agriculture.
Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), and Ibrahim Musa, head of the African Regional Working Group, both expressed strong support for Africa’s efforts to improve irrigation amid climate challenges.
The conference runs until April 17, featuring technical sessions, policy talks, and visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.
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