Tinubu Declares National Emergency on Food Security

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared a national emergency on food security, calling for the expansion of irrigation infrastructure and inclusive water resource management across the country.

He made this declaration while inaugurating the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja. The President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

He encouraged African countries to embrace innovative strategies to tackle the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.

Describing the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” Tinubu referred to it as a rallying call for advancing sustainable agriculture and building economic resilience.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.
This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land situated around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the government’s achievements under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

He further stated that its follow-up initiative, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, is set to close existing gaps and maximise the economic value of water to enhance food security.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.
This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.

The minister noted that the TRIMING project, which lasted over seven years, resulted in key milestones such as the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and the near-completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.

He added that the project also supported ongoing efforts in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo states.

Further achievements included the establishment of Water Users Associations, creation of farmer management centres, and strengthened market linkages in vital value chains like rice and tomato.

Utsev also revealed that more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land had been developed by River Basin Development Authorities, with partial commercialisation efforts underway to attract private sector investment.

He mentioned the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, which aims to reduce the agricultural impact of floods.

“This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he added.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for a renewed sense of duty across all levels of government to safeguard national food security.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, stressed the need for strategic planning to respond to the pressures of Nigeria’s rising population.

He emphasised the value of skilled staffing and efficient river basin management, while calling for more involvement from sub-national governments in managing water resources and food systems.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State expressed concern about how climate change is reducing the length of farming seasons. He warned that erratic rainfall patterns are increasing uncertainty for farmers.

“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.
Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few; we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Zulum said.

He urged development partners to respond more effectively to challenges related to water access and rural agriculture in Africa.

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, Dr Marco Arcieri, described the gathering as timely and crucial.

“This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront the pressing challenges.
We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Arcieri stated.

It’s worth noting that he had earlier spoken at the Young Professionals’ Forum, a pre-conference session that brought together young leaders in irrigation and water management across Africa.

Arcieri stressed the critical role that emerging professionals will play in advancing sustainable water solutions across the continent.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, Chair of the African Regional Working Group, expressed hope that the conference would yield creative solutions and practical steps to address Africa’s distinct irrigation needs.

The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, featuring technical workshops, policy discussions, and visits to irrigation projects across Nigeria.