President Bola Tinubu declared a national emergency on food security during the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on April 14, 2025.
Represented by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for expanded irrigation infrastructure to combat food insecurity in Nigeria.
He called for participatory water resource management nationwide to ensure sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.
The conference, themed “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” was described as a critical platform for addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges.
Tinubu highlighted that Africa’s irrigation potential remains untapped due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.
He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies to overcome these barriers and enhance food security across the continent.
Nigeria boasts over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land, primarily located around the Niger and Benue river basins, Tinubu noted.
He stressed that unlocking this potential could significantly boost agricultural productivity and address food insecurity in Nigeria.
The conference, running until April 17, 2025, includes technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.
It serves as a vital opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration among African leaders, experts, and stakeholders in irrigation and water management.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, outlined Nigeria’s progress in irrigation development under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.
The TRIMING initiative, spanning over seven years, achieved significant milestones, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes.
The Middle Rima Valley irrigation project reached 90% completion, marking another success in Nigeria’s irrigation expansion efforts.
Utsev announced the upcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, set to build on TRIMING’s achievements in partnership with the World Bank.
The SPIN project aims to optimize Nigeria’s water resources to support sustainable agriculture and enhance food security.
TRIMING also facilitated interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo states, strengthening irrigation infrastructure nationwide.
The project established Water Users Associations and farmer management centers to empower local communities in water governance.
It further supported market linkages for key agricultural value chains, such as rice and tomato, boosting economic opportunities for farmers.
Utsev revealed that Nigeria’s River Basin Development Authorities have developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land to date.
These authorities are undergoing partial commercialization to attract private sector investment and enhance irrigation efficiency.
The minister also referenced Nigeria’s 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, designed to minimize flood-related disruptions to agriculture.
He underscored the conference’s role in fostering innovation and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s irrigation and water management challenges.
Dr. Didi Wilson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, called for renewed dedication across all government levels to achieve national food security.
Former Permanent Secretary Godknows Igali emphasized the need for strategic planning to address Nigeria’s growing population and food demands.
Igali advocated for professional staffing and effective management of river basins to ensure sustainable water governance. He urged sub-national governments to take an active role in water management and food systems to support national efforts.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum raised alarms about shrinking farming seasons driven by climate change, which threatens agricultural productivity.
Unpredictable rainfall patterns are creating uncertainty for farmers, making irrigation an urgent necessity, Zulum stated. He called for inclusive innovation, particularly empowering women and youth, who play critical roles in African agriculture.
Zulum appealed to development partners for greater responsiveness to Africa’s water access and rural farming challenges.
Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, described the conference as a potential turning point for Africa’s irrigation sector.
He expressed commitment to supporting Africa amid population growth and climate stress, emphasizing tangible goals to address these challenges.
Arcieri had earlier addressed the Young Professionals’ Forum, a pre-conference event that gathered emerging leaders in irrigation and water management.
He highlighted the pivotal role of young professionals in driving sustainable solutions to Africa’s water and food security challenges.
Ibrahim Musa, leader of the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism about the conference yielding innovative and actionable outcomes.
Musa stressed the importance of tailored approaches to address Africa’s unique irrigation development needs in the face of growing environmental pressures.
The conference continues to spotlight Nigeria’s leadership in tackling food insecurity through sustainable irrigation and water management strategies.
Tinubu’s emergency declaration underscores the critical need for collective action to ensure food security for Nigeria and the African continent.
As discussions unfold in Abuja, stakeholders remain focused on transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape through innovation and collaboration. The outcomes of this conference could shape the future of irrigation development and food security across the region for years to come.
