From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has demonstrated its readiness to intensify irrigation systems in order to boost food production in the country.
The Water Minister, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, said this through the Ministry’s director, Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Oyeronke Oluniyi, at the ongoing 5-day National Workshop of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID ), with the theme: “The role of Irrigation and Drainage Practices for Food Security in Nigeria” in Kano, Kano State.
Prof Utsev also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment in ensuring adequate water supply to homes, industries and for agriculture purposes nationwide.
He stressed the crucial need for a paradigm shift away from conventional rain-fed and unregulated practices towards a sustainable and efficient approach to land and water management, adding that this transition can be realised 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.
He also noted that this strategy aims to mitigate threats such as land degradation, deforestation, rapid population growth, socio-economic development, and climate change, ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.
The Minister further disclosed 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. Furthermore, he emphasised that irrigated agriculture, in its diverse forms and scales, stands out as a critical factor in the country’s food security strategies.
Continuing, the Minister disclosed 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.
During the session, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack OON, mni, who was represented by the Deputy Director in the Irrigation and Drainage department, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs Florence Oyakhirome emphasised that NINCID was established to enhance irrigation development in Nigeria through robust dialogue among policymakers and operators. She urged participants to provide recommendations aimed at achieving food security and poverty alleviation.
In her welcome address, the Director Irrigation and Drainage, Engr Oyeronke Oluniyi, who was represented by Deputy Director Irrigation and Drainage, Engr 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. She extended commendations to all participants and expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the organising Committee, Engr. Dr Elijah Aderibigbe, and his team for their steadfast support in orchestrating the workshop.
The Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf was the Special Guest of Honour and he was represented by His Special Adviser on Water Resources, Dr. Jibrin Shanon who declared the workshop opened.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources, Kano State, Gwani Ali Haruna Makoda, represented by a Director in the Ministry in his goodwill remarks mentioned that 22 dams, equipped with irrigation infrastructure, were constructed across the state by previous Administration to facilitate year-round farming. He commended the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his efforts in the rehabilitation of Bagadua, Dada, and Marashi Dams respectively.
Other notable personalities that gave goodwill messages included the Emir of Kano, represented by Alh Mahmmoud Ado Bayero, Turakin Kano and the District Head of Fagge. Additionally, remarks were given by the Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Agricultural Engineers, Engr Prof Joshua Olaoye who was represented by Engr. Godwin A Adoga and the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kano State branch.