President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, emphasizing the need for expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu—represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume—urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies to tackle the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.
He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” as a clarion call for collective action towards sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.
“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues,” Tinubu noted. “This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward.”
He revealed that Nigeria possesses over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land, concentrated around major river basins such as the Niger and Benue.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted several landmark achievements under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project. He announced its successor—the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project—which aims to bridge existing gaps and optimize the economic value 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,” Utsev stated. “This initiative will consolidate the gains of TRIMING and further expand our irrigation potential.”
According to the minister, the seven-year TRIMING project recorded significant progress, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, as well as 90% completion of the Middle Rima Valley project. It also supported irrigation efforts in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.
Utsev added that the project established Water Users Associations and farmer management centres, while also improving market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato. He noted that River Basin Development Authorities had developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.
He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, designed to mitigate flood-related risks affecting agriculture.
“This conference provides a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and shared commitment to solving Africa’s irrigation and water management challenges,” Utsev concluded.
Dr. Didi Wilson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, called for renewed commitment at all levels of government to safeguard national food security.
Also speaking, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Godknows Igali, emphasized the importance of strategic planning in view of Nigeria’s rapidly growing population. He called for professional staffing and effective management of river basins, and urged sub-national governments to actively participate in water governance and food systems.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State expressed concern over shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, noting that irregular rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty for farmers.
“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury,” Zulum said. “Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few; we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture.”
He also appealed to development partners for increased responsiveness to the challenges of water access and rural farming in Africa.
President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, Dr. Marco Arcieri, described the conference as timely and essential. “This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront pressing challenges,” he said, affirming the Commission’s commitment to supporting Africa in tackling population growth and climate pressures.
Arcieri had earlier addressed the Young Professionals’ Forum, a pre-conference gathering of emerging leaders in irrigation and water management across the continent. He emphasized the crucial role of young professionals in driving sustainable solutions to Africa’s water challenges.
Mr. Ibrahim Musa, Chair of the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would yield innovative strategies and practical outcomes to address the region’s unique irrigation development needs.
The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, featuring technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.
