FG Declares National Emergency on Food Security, Targets Expanded Irrigation Infrastructure

President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, calling for expanded irrigation infrastructure and inclusive water resource management across Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu—represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume—urged African nations to adopt bold, innovative strategies in tackling water management and irrigation challenges.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues,” Tinubu said.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward.”

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria holds over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land, mainly around river basins like the Niger and Benue, which he described as critical to achieving sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

Major Irrigation Projects and Future Plans

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted key achievements under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which is nearing completion. He announced its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, to be launched in collaboration with the World Bank.

“With TRIMING winding down, SPIN will fill existing gaps and optimize the economic value of water resources for food security,” Utsev said.

He detailed TRIMING’s accomplishments, including:

• Completion of Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes.
• 90% completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.
• Ongoing work in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.
• Establishment of Water Users Associations (WUAs) and farmer management centres.
• Strengthening market linkages for value chains such as rice and tomato.

He also noted that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and are being partially commercialized to encourage private sector investment.

A 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy is also being developed to protect agricultural assets from climate-related disasters.

Urgent Call for Action

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for deeper collaboration across all levels of government to ensure long-term food security.

Former Permanent Secretary Mr. Godknows Igali stressed the need for professional staffing and strategic management of river basins, while urging active participation from sub-national governments.

Climate Change and the Farmer’s Reality

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State warned about the shrinking farming season due to unpredictable rainfall patterns, driven by climate change.

“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity,” Zulum stated.

“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 called on development partners to be more responsive to water access and rural farming challenges.

A Turning Point for Africa

Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), hailed the conference as both timely and crucial, noting that the discussions could be a turning point for Africa’s food systems amid climate and population pressures.

Mr. Ibrahim Musa, head of the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the event would yield actionable solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges in irrigation development.

The conference runs until April 17 in Abuja, featuring technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.