FG To Strengthen Irrigation Systems For Food Production

By Georgina Humphrey

Federal Government has expressed Commitment to strengthen Irrigation Systems to Boost Food Production.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, stated this at the ongoing 5-day Workshop of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, NINCID in Kano state.

The Minister who was represented by the Director, Irrigation and Drainage, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi reiterated Government’s committed in ensuring adequate water supply to homes, industries and for agricultural purposes nationwide.

The minister stressed the crucial need for a paradigm shift from conventional rain-fed and unregulated practices towards a sustainable and efficient approach to land and water use management.

He added that this transition can be realized through the stimulation, promotion, and development of water and land resources, specifically focusing on irrigation and drainage as well as flood control and river training, in alignment with the core values of the International Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) and by extension, NINCID.

Prof Utsev also explained that this strategy is aimed at mitigating threats such as land degradation, deforestation, rapid population growth, socio-economic development, climate change, and long-term sustainability of water resources.

The Minister further stated that the present administration places a high priority on the water sector for socio-economic development, aligning closely with objectives relating to poverty reduction, integrated model farms development, employment generation, and environmental management.

He emphasized that irrigated agriculture, in its diverse forms and scales, stands out as a critical factor in the country’s food security strategies.

The Minister noted that Nigeria with a potential irrigation capacity of 3.14 million hectares, has gained recognition as one of the 54 active committees by ICID.

He recalled Nigeria’s membership in ICID since 1970, highlighting continuous active participation through the National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID) and in acknowledgment of this commitment, Nigeria has received a hosting right for the ICID-Africa Regional Conference slated for 2025.

He expressed optimism regarding nationwide expansion of irrigation areas and encouraged stakeholders and participants at the workshop to actively contribute to crafting resolutions that will strengthen and consolidate sustainable irrigation practices in Nigeria.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack who was represented by the Deputy Director in the Irrigation and Drainage department of the Ministry, Mrs Florence Oyakhirome urged participants to provide recommendations aimed at achieving food security and poverty alleviation adding that NINCID was established to enhance irrigation development in Nigeria through robust dialogue among policymakers and operators.

In her welcome address, the Director Irrigation and Drainage, Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, represented by Deputy Director Irrigation and Drainage, Hauwa Sadique, emphasized that the workshop aims to unite experts to deliberate on the advancements in irrigation and drainage development in Nigeria, including exploring emerging technological innovations in the sector.

Edited By Grace Namiji