Tinubu Declares Emergency on Food Security, Urges Irrigation Reform

• Apr 16, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, calling for stronger irrigation systems and better water management to boost agricultural productivity across Nigeria.

The announcement was made on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage held in Abuja.

Speaking to representatives from across the continent, Tinubu urged African nations to adopt new strategies to overcome challenges in irrigation and water use. He described the conference theme, "Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa," as a necessary call for action in achieving sustainable agriculture and economic growth.

He pointed out that Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of land suitable for irrigation, especially around the Niger and Benue river basins, but much of this potential remains untapped due to infrastructure, financial, and governance issues, as well as climate change.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, highlighted recent achievements under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project. He announced a new initiative—the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project—to build on TRIMING's successes with support from the World Bank.

Under TRIMING, the government completed major irrigation schemes such as Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori and nearly completed the Middle Rima Valley project. The program also supported efforts in multiple states including Ondo, Kwara, Benue, and Kebbi. It helped establish farmer associations, market links for key crops like rice and tomato, and improved irrigation infrastructure.

Utsev said River Basin Development Authorities had already developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land, with ongoing plans to attract private investment through partial commercialisation. He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy aimed at protecting farmlands.

Other speakers, including Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, stressed the urgency of climate change adaptation. Zulum warned that shorter rainy seasons were putting farmers at risk, making irrigation a vital tool. He called for more support for women and youth in agriculture and urged development partners to increase support for rural farming communities.

The conference continues until April 17, with technical sessions, policy discussions, and field visits planned to promote solutions to Africa’s water and food security challenges.