Federal Gov’t Prioritises Irrigation To Boost Food Security – Minister

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, has inspected the Makurdi Irrigation Project under the Lower Benue River Basin Authority, reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to enhancing food production through irrigation and dry-season farming.

The minister said that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader goal of achieving national food security.

Speaking during the inspection, the minister disclosed that 3,000 hectares of land have been allocated for dry-season farming, with 1,200 hectares specifically designated for irrigation. The remaining 1,800 hectares will be utilized for the World Bank’s Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project.

To support these efforts, he disclosed that the government had awarded contracts for the construction of irrigation channels, drip irrigation systems, and the expansion of existing irrigation farms, adding that the ministry was working to activate the hydropower components of various dams across the country to enhance energy supply.

Engr.  Utsev also provided an update on the Otukpo multipurpose water dam, stating that the project has reached an advanced stage and is on track for completion this year.

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Speaking on behalf of the Lower Benue River Basin Authority, acting managing director Aondohemba Udu, represented by Mr. Sylvanus Apav, acknowledged the ministry’s continuous support for the initiative.

Representing the contractors handling the projects, Mr. Orje Torher assured that all works would be completed according to specifications and within the stipulated timeframe.

Meanwhile, Mr. Christopher Senegh, a representative of the host community of Mbaku, expressed appreciation to the federal government for the initiative. He also appealed for the provision of tractors to aid farmers and called for improved security measures in the area.

As part of the inspection tour, Engr. Utsev inaugurated the 1.2-kilometer Ugondo Community Access Road in Makurdi, under the supervision of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority. The road is expected to improve farmers’ access to their farmlands, further supporting agricultural productivity.