FG hands over consultancy for water users associations in Gari irrigation project

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Federal Government has handed over consultancy services for the establishment and strengthening of Water Users Associations (WUAs) in the Gari Irrigation Project, spanning Kano and Jigawa States, to OMADAC Engineering Limited.

The handover ceremony, which took place at the Gari Irrigation Project site in Jigawa State, marks another milestone in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity, improve water management, and enhance food security.

Speaking at the event, Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr (Mrs) Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi, represented by Engr Victor Ojiako, commended the collaboration among the Ministry, the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), and local communities. She said the initiative would transform farming livelihoods and strengthen economic resilience in the region.

Project Coordinator, Mrs Florence Oyakhirome, hailed the handover as a major step toward sustainability and community ownership. She stressed the need for women’s inclusion in WUA leadership, noting their vital role in farming and agricultural labour.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of HJRBDA Managing Director, Mr Abba Rasheed, the Deputy Director of Agricultural Services urged farmers to take full ownership of the infrastructure and ensure its maintenance for lasting impact.

Also speaking, Engr Ibe Uzoechi, National Desk Officer for WUA, said the new arrangement would empower farmers to manage irrigation systems more effectively. On his part, Alhaji Haruna Isyaku, President of the Gari Irrigation Scheme WUA, described the event as a new dawn for farmers, pledging full commitment to sustainability.

The Gari Irrigation Project, one of Nigeria’s flagship irrigation initiatives, aims to enhance water efficiency and expand irrigable land for farmers. With this handover, the project enters a new phase of community-driven management under OMADAC Engineering Limited.

Highlight of the ceremony was the official presentation of project documents to OMADAC by the Ministry’s representatives.