President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security in Nigeria. He made this known through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage held in Abuja.
Tinubu emphasized the need to improve irrigation systems and water management across the country. He said African countries must work together and use new strategies to solve water and farming challenges. He noted that Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of land that can be used for irrigation, especially around major rivers like the Niger and Benue.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, talked about the success of the TRIMING (Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria) project, which lasted over seven years.
It completed major irrigation projects like Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori, and nearly finished work in the Middle Rima Valley. The project also helped improve farming in several states, including Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo.
A new project called SPIN (Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria), supported by the World Bank, will soon begin. It will continue from where TRIMING stopped and help grow Nigeria’s irrigation capacity.
Prof. Utsev also said that over 153,000 hectares of land have been developed for irrigation by River Basin Development Authorities. These projects are now being opened to private investors. He highlighted a flood risk strategy for 2025 to reduce the impact of floods on farming.
Other speakers at the event also called for strong action. Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service, stressed that all levels of government must support food security.
Former Permanent Secretary Mr Godknows Igali said Nigeria must plan better due to its growing population. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum warned that climate change is making farming harder. He said irrigation is now necessary, not optional, and called for more support for women and young people in farming.
Dr Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, said the conference came at the right time. He praised the ideas shared and said young professionals have a key role in solving Africa’s water problems.
Mr Ibrahim Musa, leader of the African Regional Working Group, said he hopes the conference will lead to real solutions for irrigation in Africa.
The conference will continue in Abuja until April 17, with talks, discussions, and visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.
