President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting food security in the country through the modernisation of irrigation systems and active youth engagement in agriculture.
The president stated this on Monday at the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage opening ceremony: “Clean Irrigation, Development and Roots of Management, Crisis in Africa.” in Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, President Tinubu emphasised that the conference serves as a clarion call for African nations to embrace innovative water and irrigation management strategies to secure the continent’s agricultural future.
“Nigeria possesses vast and untapped irrigation potentials,” the President noted, referencing over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land across significant river basins such as the Niger and Benue.
He said, “We can significantly boost agricultural productivity and enhance food security.
“In the future, the government has equally captured the teeming growing youths in the country in its plans by fully engaging them in discussions and encouraging their participation in areas that can enhance economic growth and development.
“The Young Professionals Forum is one of the platforms created to engage the youths; it involves the application of geospatial systems and artificial intelligence for sustainable irrigated agriculture.’’
In his address, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev highlighted the achievements of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which has revitalised several irrigation schemes across the country.
According to him, these include completed projects in Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori and the ongoing Middle Rima Valley project that is nearing completion.
He also announced the upcoming launch of a successor initiative, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, in collaboration with the World Bank. This project aims to build on the successes and lessons from TRIMING.
“The Ministry has developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land through its River Basin Development Authorities and is working to attract private sector investment to ensure the sustainability of these efforts,” Utsev said.
The conference will feature technical sessions, policy dialogues, and exhibitions showcasing innovative irrigation technologies.
Participants are also expected to engage in discussions on participatory irrigation management, transboundary water governance, and strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and flooding on agricultural productivity.
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