President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, calling for rapid expansion of irrigation infrastructure and better water resource management across the country.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Monday, April 14, at the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, Tinubu urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies to overcome water management and irrigation challenges.
Describing the conference theme—Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa—as timely, he said, “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 noted that Nigeria possesses over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land along key river basins like the Niger and Benue.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, revealed that the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project had achieved several milestones, including completing the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and reaching 90 per cent completion on the Middle Rima Valley project.
“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.
He added that River Basin Development Authorities had developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were now being partially commercialised to attract private investment.
The minister said the TRIMING project also strengthened farmer support systems, including market access for crops like rice and tomato, and created farmer-managed Water Users Associations and management centres.
He further referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy designed to cushion flood-related agricultural losses.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, urged all levels of government to show fresh commitment to food security.
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Former Water Resources Permanent Secretary, Mr Godknows Igali, called for long-term planning and proper staffing of river basins, stressing that state governments must be fully involved in water governance.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed concern over the shortening of farming seasons due to erratic rainfall.
“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 said.
He appealed to international partners to respond more effectively to rural water access and farming needs in Africa.
President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, Dr Marco Arcieri, described the event as critical for Africa’s future.
“This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront the pressing challenges. We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Arcieri stated.
Arcieri had also addressed the Young Professionals’ Forum earlier, urging Africa’s youth to drive sustainable solutions in water systems.
Mr Ibrahim Musa, head of the African Regional Working Group, voiced hope that the conference would yield practical and forward-thinking solutions.
The conference runs in Abuja until April 17, featuring technical discussions, policy dialogues, and site visits to irrigation projects across Nigeria.