President Bola Tinubu declared a national emergency on food security on Monday, calling for strengthened irrigation infrastructure and inclusive water resource management across the country. The announcement came during the opening ceremony of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage, held in Abuja.
Representing the president at the event was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Tinubu encouraged African nations to adopt creative and effective strategies to tackle the continent’s irrigation and water-related challenges.
He described the conference’s theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as an urgent call for action to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen economic resilience.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also revealed that Nigeria possesses over 3.1 million hectares of land suitable for irrigation, especially around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue. According to him, these vast resources could be better utilised with improved infrastructure and strategic planning.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, also addressed participants at the conference. He highlighted the federal government’s recent achievements under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing food production.
He announced the introduction of a new initiative known as the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, which is set to continue from where TRIMING stops and further boost the economic benefits of the country’s water resources.
“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 stated.
The minister explained that the TRIMING project, which spanned over seven years, brought about several important milestones. These included the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project. Other achievements included active intervention works in several states such as Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo.
Utsev added that the project also helped to establish Water Users Associations, introduced farmer management centres, and enhanced market linkages for major agricultural value chains including rice and tomato.
He noted that the River Basin Development Authorities have so far developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land. These authorities are now being partially commercialised to attract increased investment from the private sector.
Utsev also referred to the country’s 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at reducing the negative impacts of flooding on farming and food production.
“This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he added.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, used her speech to urge renewed commitment from all levels of government towards achieving national food security.
Also speaking at the event, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, stressed the need for effective strategic planning, especially as Nigeria’s population continues to rise. He emphasised the importance of deploying qualified professionals and maintaining proper oversight of river basin operations. According to him, sub-national governments have a crucial role to play in both water governance and agricultural systems.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State raised concerns about the impact of climate change on farming. He noted that erratic rainfall patterns have shortened the farming season and created uncertainty among farmers.
“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 called on international development partners to better respond to the growing challenges around water access and rural farming in Africa.
Dr Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, described the conference as both timely and essential, particularly in light of the continent’s current challenges.
“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 remarked.
He also addressed young leaders at the pre-conference Young Professionals’ Forum, which brought together emerging experts in irrigation and water management from across the continent. Arcieri stressed the vital role of young professionals in developing sustainable solutions to Africa’s water problems.
Mr Ibrahim Musa, who heads the African Regional Working Group, expressed hope that the conference would result in creative strategies and practical outcomes to address the unique needs of irrigation development in Africa.
The conference is scheduled to continue in Abuja until April 17. It will feature technical sessions, policy discussions, and field trips to various irrigation sites across Nigeria.
