The Federal Government, through the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation, has expressed its readiness to intensify irrigation systems in order to boost food production in the country towards ensuring the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the “Food Security Mandate” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This is according to the minister of water resources and sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who was represented by the director of irrigation and drainage, Oyeronke Oluniyi, at the ongoing five-day national workshop of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID ), with the theme: “The Role of Irrigation and Drainage Practices for Food Security in Nigeria.”
The minister, who gave this assurance, also reiterated that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring adequate water supply to homes, industries and for agriculture purposes nationwide.
He stressed the crucial need for a paradigm shift away from conventional rain-fed and unregulated practices towards a sustainable and efficient approach to land and water use management. Utsev added that this transition can be realized through the stimulation, promotion, and development of water and land resources, specifically focusing on irrigation and drainage, as well as flood control in alignment with the core values of the International Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) and by extension, NINCID.
He also noted that this strategy aims to mitigate threats such as land degradation, deforestation, rapid population growth, socio-economic development, and climate change, ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.
The minister further disclosed that the present administration places a high priority on the water sector for socio-economic development, aligning closely with objectives relating to poverty reduction, integrated model farms development, employment generation, and environmental management. He emphasized that irrigated agriculture, in its diverse forms and scales, stands out as a critical factor in the country’s food security strategies.
According to him, Nigeria, with a potential irrigation capacity of 3.14 million hectares, has gained recognition as one of the 54 active committees by ICID. He recalled Nigeria’s membership in ICID since 1970, highlighting continuous active participation through the National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID). In acknowledgment of this commitment, Nigeria has received a hosting right for the ICID-Africa Regional Conference slated for 2025.
Utsev expressed optimism regarding nationwide expansion of irrigation areas and encouraged stakeholders and participants at the workshop to actively contribute to crafting resolutions that will strengthen and consolidate sustainable irrigation practices in Nigeria.
The permanent secretary in the ministry, Didi Walson-Jack, who was represented by the deputy director, irrigation and drainage, Florence Oyakhirome, emphasized that NINCID was established to enhance irrigation development in Nigeria through robust dialogue among policymakers and operators. She urged participants to provide recommendations aimed at achieving food security and poverty alleviation.
The governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, was was represented at the event by his special adviser on water resources, Dr. Jibrin Shanon, who declared the workshop open.
The Kano State commissioner of water resources, Gwani Ali Haruna Makoda, who was represented by a director in the ministry, said that 22 dams, equipped with irrigation infrastructure, were constructed across the state by previous administrations to facilitate year-round farming. He commended Governor Yusuf for his efforts in the rehabilitation of Bagadua, Dada, and Marashi dams
The National Programme Coordinator (TRIMING PROJECT) Engr. Peter Manjuk, presented the overview on the impact of Triming Project on completed Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP) and the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project (HVIP) towards increased food production and improved livelihoods of farming communities.
The highlight of the opening ceremony of the 5-day workshop/meeting was the inauguration of 12 desks officers of Water Users Association (WUA) for the 12 river basin development authorities in the country. They were tasked with serving as a crucial linkage between the WUA national desk office, stationed in the department of irrigation and drainage, and their respective river basin development authorities.
