President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, emphasizing the need for expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management across Nigeria.
This announcement was made during the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, where Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Addressing the conference, Tinubu highlighted the challenges Africa faces in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues. He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” as a call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.
“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues. This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward,” Tinubu stated.
He noted that Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue, underscoring the importance of developing these resources to enhance food security.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, reported significant achievements under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria project, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90% completion of the Middle Rima Valley project. He announced the upcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria project, aimed at addressing remaining gaps and optimizing water resources for food security.
“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank. This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.
The minister also highlighted the development of over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land by River Basin Development Authorities and the establishment of Water Users Associations to support key value chains such as rice and tomato.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State expressed concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, emphasizing the necessity of irrigation and the empowerment of women and youth in agriculture.
“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury. Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few; we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Zulum stated.
The President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, Dr. Marco Arcieri, described the conference as timely and essential, emphasizing the commitment to support Africa in facing population growth and climate stress.
The conference, which runs until April 17, includes technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria, aiming to foster collaboration and innovative solutions in irrigation and water management.
