In a bold move to confront Nigeria’s escalating food crisis, President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, calling for an urgent overhaul of the nation’s irrigation infrastructure and water resource management.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the opening ceremony of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the critical role of sustainable water systems in securing Nigeria’s agricultural future.
The declaration comes at a time when millions of Nigerians face heightened food insecurity, worsened by climate change, erratic rainfall, and limited access to irrigated farmland. According to President Tinubu, Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land spread across key river basins, including the Niger and Benue, but most of this potential remains untapped.
“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues,” Tinubu stated. “This conference is a clarion call for all of us to act decisively in securing our agricultural systems.”
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, revealed several high-impact initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project. Minister Joseph Utsev announced that TRIMING, which has spanned over seven years, delivered vital results including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, and the near-completion (90%) of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.
Utsev further disclosed that the next phase, titled Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN), would commence in collaboration with the World Bank. This project aims to bridge gaps left by TRIMING while maximizing the economic value of Nigeria’s water resources to ensure long-term food security.
Under TRIMING, several Nigerian states including Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo have benefited from ongoing water and agricultural support programs. These include the establishment of Water Users Associations, Farmer Management Centres, and partnerships that link farmers to markets, especially in rice and tomato value chains.
The River Basin Development Authorities have also developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land, now being partially commercialized to attract private sector investment in agriculture.
The conference, themed “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, brought together key stakeholders across the continent. Leaders emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, youth inclusion, and innovation.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State issued a stark warning about the consequences of climate change: “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.”
Dr. Didi Wilson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, called for unified commitment from all tiers of government to bolster food security, while Mr. Godknows Igali, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, stressed the need for improved governance, staffing, and planning across Nigeria’s river basins.
Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, hailed the Abuja conference as a potential turning point. He praised Nigeria’s commitment to irrigation reform and encouraged the region to support young professionals in developing sustainable water solutions.
Mr. Ibrahim Musa, head of the African Regional Working Group, echoed this optimism, stating that the conference presents a platform for “transformational ideas and actionable outcomes.”
The 6th African Regional Conference continues in Abuja until April 17, featuring technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across the country. These engagements are expected to lead to tangible steps in solving Africa’s pressing food and water challenges.