Tinubu Declares National Emergency on Food Security
President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, urging African nations to embrace innovation in irrigation and water resource management to tackle worsening agricultural challenges.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, Tinubu warned that Africa “continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.”
Describing the conference theme as “a clarion call to action,” Tinubu noted that Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located along major river basins like the Niger and Benue.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced that Nigeria is set to launch a new initiative — the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project — with support from the World Bank. The project will succeed the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) initiative, which spanned over seven years.
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“The TRIMING project delivered key milestones, including the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90% completion of the Middle Rima Valley project,” Utsev said, adding that over 153,000 hectares of land have been developed through River Basin Development Authorities.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State warned that climate change is shrinking farming seasons. “Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury,” he said. “Our fertile lands are turning to dust.”
Dr Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, said the event could be “a turning point” for Africa’s food security. “We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” he said.
The conference continues in Abuja until April 17.
