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

 

The declaration was made on Monday at the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage held in Abuja, where Tinubu was represented by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

 

Addressing delegates, Tinubu emphasized the need for innovative and collaborative approaches to tackle Africa’s water management and irrigation challenges. He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” as a timely call for action.

 

“Africa faces serious hurdles in unlocking its irrigation potential—ranging from poor infrastructure to climate change and governance gaps. This conference offers a platform to chart a collective course forward,” he said.

 

Tinubu noted that Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land in major river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

 

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the government’s achievements under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which delivered key infrastructure including the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, and near-completion of the Middle Rima Valley project.

 

He announced the launch of the TRIMING successor—Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN)—which aims to expand irrigation reach and economic value of water resources, with support from the World Bank.

 

“SPIN will build on TRIMING’s success, strengthen farmer networks, and drive food security,” Utsev said.

 

The project also empowered farmers through Water Users Associations, and improved market access for crops like rice and tomatoes. More than 153,000 hectares of land have been developed by River Basin Development Authorities, with plans for partial commercialisation to attract private sector investment.

 

Key officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Wilson-Jack, and former Permanent Secretary Mr. Godknows Igali, called for stronger coordination across all tiers of government to secure Nigeria’s food future, especially in the face of climate challenges and population growth.

 

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State warned that shifting rainfall patterns and shorter farming seasons now make irrigation a necessity rather than a luxury. He emphasized the need to empower youth and women in agriculture and urged development partners to increase support for rural farmers.

 

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr. Marco Arcieri, described the gathering as a potential turning point for Africa’s food and water systems.

 

“We’ve set tangible goals to address population growth and climate stress. This is the moment to act,” he said.