FG Kicks Off $500m Irrigation, Hydropower Schemes In 17 States

Federal government has launched the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, a $500 million initiative aimed at transforming the country’s irrigation and hydropower sectors.

The minister of water resources and sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, who chairs the committee, disclosed this at the inaugural meeting of the project steering committee in Abuja yesterday.
Prof. Utsev described SPIN as a multi-sectoral, integrated project that would deliver large-scale, multi-purpose infrastructure and enhance dam safety, modernise irrigation systems, and strengthen institutional frameworks for water governance.

The minister revealed that the project, supported by a $500 million World Bank loan will operate under two models.

He said Model 1 would focus on federal irrigation schemes managed by River Basin Development Authorities, while Model 2 targets state-owned irrigation schemes.

Utsev said out of 34 states that expressed interest, 17 had been selected for the first phase after meeting key eligibility criteria, including the enactment of Water Users Association laws and provision of counterpart funding.

“This project is not just a development programme, it is a vital instrument to enhance national food security, promote rural livelihoods, and strengthen our resilience to climate variability,” the minister said.

The SPIN Project builds upon the achievements of the successful Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, which rehabilitated over 32,000 hectares of farmland and empowered Water Users Associations (WUAs) for irrigation management.
Utsev commended the SPIN Interim Project Preparatory Team for its 15 months of groundwork, which included technical assessments, field visits, and the development of operational documents now handed to committee members.

Also speaking at the event, the minister of agriculture and food security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, praised the timeliness of the project and called for a results-oriented approach.

Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s growing population as an opportunity for agricultural expansion, adding, “With strategic planning and the right investments, this population can become a major force for innovation and economic growth.”

Also speaking, minister of power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr Mahmadu Mamman, described hydropower as essential to Nigeria’s energy transition and grid stability.

He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to leveraging the SPIN initiative to attract private sector investment and optimise the country’s renewable energy capacity.

World Bank task team leader for SPIN, Mr Chinedu Umoru, applauded the federal government for its leadership and dedication.

He expressed confidence in the project’s success, urging stakeholders to match the government’s commitment with concrete action.

With the SPIN project now underway, the federal government aims to irrigate 500,000 hectares of farmland, develop 30 GW of sustainable energy, and improve resilience to floods and droughts thereby paving the way for long-term development and revitalisation of the country’s rural economy.