From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli, has lamented that poor water governance is responsible for the food crisis in the country.
He stated this at the closing ceremony of the 30th regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation in Abuja.
Soli, who called for the adoption of sustainable water management practices, investing in inclusivity in decision making processes and investing in climate change measures, added that this will assist Nigeria in enhancing agriculture productivity and ensure food security for the population
“Proper water governance is crucial for ensuring food security in the country. Water is an essential resource for agriculture, and efficient management of water resources is necessary to meet the increasing demand for food nationwide.
“Nexus between water and agriculture suggests that policies and strategies should be developed considering the water-agriculture nexus to ensure sustainable food production. By promoting integrated approaches, such as agroforestry and rainwater harvesting, we can enhance water availability for agriculture while minimising negative environmental impacts,” he said.
On his part, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, reiterated on the need for collaboration between the ministries of agriculture, water resources and sanitation, and sub-national entities to ensure adequate irrigation of farmland that will guarantee that food is produced all year round.
Utsev insisted irrigated agriculture is crucial to Nigeria’s economic development
“Irrigated agricultural practice has been identified as key to a vibrant Nigerian economy, accounting for a high percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a viable intervention option that will ensure national food security and poverty alleviation. Since the last council meeting, some completed irrigation schemes have been completed and handed over to farmers for cultivation through the World Bank Sponsored Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.
“These schemes include: The Hadejia Valley 5,750ha irrigation scheme in Jigawa State; Kano River 14,444ha irrigation scheme in Kano State; Gari 2,114ha irrigation project in Kano and Jigawa states.
“May I use this opportunity to inform you that the TRIMING project will be exiting this year and the ministry has set up a committee to come up with sustainability exit strategies for the TRIMING project.
“The ministry is also developing irrigable areas totalling over 15,000ha, which is nearing completion.
“This will be handed over to farmers by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2024. In order to transform and promote irrigation development towards Sustainable Food Production and Security for the greater socio-economic well-being of the nation in line with the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry proposes,” Utsev said.
Minister of State for Water Resources, Bello Goronyo, explained that the water structure supporting food security in the country is very weak.
Goronyo stressed that an urgent action is needed to tackle the current food crisis affecting the country.
Earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, represented by the FCT Water Board General Manager, Daniel Audu, recognised the effectiveness of water governance in ensuring sustainable access to water resources for agricultural production which is essential for daily food security in the nation.
Wike, therefore, urged the participants to share their experiences and contribute ideas towards development of actionable recommendations that will guard the efforts of government in promoting water governance for national security.