The Federal Government, through 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 declaration was made by the Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who was represented by the Director, Irrigation and Drainage, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr.  Mrs. 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.

The Minister who gave this assurance also reiterated that the Federal Government is committed to 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 use management. He added that this transition can be realized 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 emphasized that irrigated agriculture, in its diverse forms and scales, stands out as a critical factor in the country’s food security strategies.

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.

The Hon. 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.