On Monday, President Bola Tinubu announced a national emergency regarding food security, calling for the enhancement of irrigation infrastructure and collaborative water resource management across the country.
This declaration was made during the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
He encouraged African countries to implement innovative approaches to tackle the continent's irrigation and water management issues.
He articulated the theme of the conference, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a compelling call to action for promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing 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,” he stated.
President Tinubu indicated that the nation possesses over 3.1 million hectares of land suitable for irrigation, primarily situated around significant river basins such as the Niger and Benue.
In his address, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted that the government has successfully executed numerous pivotal projects under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria initiative.
He revealed that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria project, aims to fill existing gaps while maximizing the economic benefits of water resources to enhance 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 stated.
The minister noted that the TRIMING project, which lasted over seven years, accomplished significant milestones, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, as well as reaching 90 percent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.
It also facilitated ongoing efforts in the states of Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo.
“This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he stated.
Mr. Ibrahim Musa, the head of the African Regional Working Group, conveyed his optimism that the conference would foster innovative strategies and practical results in tackling the distinct irrigation development requirements of Africa.
The conference is ongoing in Abuja until April 17, featuring technical sessions, policy discussions, and site visits to irrigation projects throughout Nigeria.
