President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, urging urgent expansion of irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management to address growing agricultural challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu emphasized the urgency of adopting innovative and sustainable approaches to water and irrigation management on the continent.
He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” as a clarion call to reshape Africa’s food systems and enhance economic resilience in the face of climate threats and limited infrastructure.
“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues,” Tinubu said.
According to him, Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land, particularly around the Niger and Benue river basins, presenting untapped opportunities to boost agricultural production.
Water Resources and Sanitation Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted key achievements under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which is now winding down. He announced the commencement of its successor initiative, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, in partnership with the World Bank, aimed at bridging existing gaps and enhancing food security through better water resource utilization.
Utsev noted that TRIMING successfully delivered the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, with 90% completion of the Middle Rima Valley project, and interventions across seven states including Ondo, Kwara, and Adamawa.
The project also facilitated the creation of Water Users Associations, farmer centres, and improved market access for key value chains such as rice and tomato. Over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land have been developed by the River Basin Development Authorities, which are now being partially commercialised to attract private investment.
Other speakers echoed the urgency of action. Head of Civil Service, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for greater commitment at all government levels, while Mr Godknows Igali, former Water Resources Permanent Secretary, urged strategic planning and better river basin management in the face of rapid population growth.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, highlighted climate change’s direct impact on farming seasons, saying unpredictable rainfall has made irrigation an essential need. He stressed inclusive innovation, especially for women and youth in agriculture.
“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury,” Zulum warned.
Dr Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), described the gathering as a potential turning point for Africa, applauding its focus on practical, youth-driven solutions to water and food insecurity.
The conference, which runs until April 17 in Abuja, features policy dialogues, technical sessions, and field visits to irrigation sites nationwide.
