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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Project Coordinator of the Arewa Revival Project, Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the expansion of the Tiga Dam in Kano State has an irrigation potential of about 230,000 hectares and will support 10 megawatts of hydropower generation.
Ibrahim, in a statement yesterday, said the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, implemented through the Ecological Project Office under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is a significant demonstration of his administration’s commitment to food security, climate resilience, rural development and sustainable economic growth in northern Nigeria.
Ibrahim said the state recognised these ongoing projects as practical investments in the agricultural potential of Kano State and surrounding communities, with far-reaching implications for farmers, rural households, agribusinesses and the national economy.
According to the project overview, Tiga Dam, completed in 1974, has a reservoir capacity of approximately 1.97 billion cubic metres and an irrigation potential of about 230,000 hectares. The ongoing intervention is designed to open new irrigation sectors in Yakasai, Gwamma and Gurjiya, covering approximately 875 hectares, through the development of irrigation canals and associated infrastructure.
The coordinator acknowledged the intervention at Challawa Gorge Dam, which focused on developing 240 hectares of irrigable land through the construction and rehabilitation of main canals, distribution channels, field canals, access roads and other hydraulic structures necessary for efficient water management.
At Kafin Chiri Dam, he observed that the ongoing intervention is expected to open additional irrigation sectors covering approximately 164.91 hectares through the construction of main canals, distribution channels and field canals across the Kunpada, Matanfa and Maida sectors.
“Collectively, we consider these projects important investments in ecological infrastructure that can help address the challenges of agricultural production, water management and rural livelihoods.
“By improving access to irrigation, we expect these interventions to support year-round farming, increase agricultural output, create employment opportunities and strengthen the resilience of our communities against climate-related challenges.
“For us at the Arewa Revival Project, these developments demonstrate that strategic government investments in ecological infrastructure can translate into tangible economic opportunities for the people of northern Nigeria.
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“We recognise the alignment of these initiatives with the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of food security, economic diversification, poverty reduction and inclusive development.
“We recognise Kano State’s strategic position in Nigeria’s agricultural economy and believe that improving its irrigation infrastructure will help unlock the productive capacity of our farmers, encourage private investment in agribusiness and strengthen food supply chains.
“We believe that the long-term success of these interventions will depend on timely completion, effective maintenance, transparent implementation and the active involvement of beneficiary communities.”
He therefore called on relevant government agencies, local stakeholders and farming communities to support these projects and ensure that the infrastructure delivers its intended benefits.
In recognition of the interventions and the administration’s broader development agenda, he declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“We believe that continuity in purposeful leadership offers an opportunity to consolidate ongoing projects, expand development initiatives and sustain the drive towards national economic transformation.
“As people of Arewa, we must act today to protect our ecological ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
“We believe that ecological remediation must go beyond infrastructure development to strike a careful balance between biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability and the socio-economic well-being of our communities.
“We consider the Kano River Irrigation Special Ecological Project a proof of concept that effective ecological remediation must go hand in hand with community engagement, livelihood support and sustainable agricultural opportunities.
“We therefore advocate a holistic approach that ensures environmental restoration translates into improved livelihoods, resilient communities and lasting socio-economic benefits for the people of Kano State and the wider Arewa region,” he added.
