BREAKING: Tinubu declares State of Emergency on Food Security

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

He made this known while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage held in Abuja on Monday.

The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged African countries to embrace innovative methods in tackling the growing challenges around irrigation and water use on the continent.

Speaking on the conference’s theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” Tinubu described it as a call to action aimed at ensuring sustainable agriculture and economic stability. He noted that Africa is still facing major hurdles in developing its irrigation systems due to limited infrastructure, funding issues, climate-related disruptions, and governance challenges.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward,” he said.

The president disclosed that Nigeria has over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land, majorly located around the Niger and Benue river basins.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, noted that the federal government had completed several key milestones under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

He added that its follow-up initiative, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address pending gaps while increasing the economic value of water resources to help secure food supplies.

“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 explained that the TRIMING project, which ran for over seven years, recorded notable achievements like the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, and 90 percent completion of the Middle Rima Valley project.

It also supported similar works in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo states.

He further stated that the project helped establish Water Users Associations, farmer management centres, and enhanced market access for key crops like rice and tomato.

Utsev noted that the River Basin Development Authorities had already developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were now being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.

He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, which is focused on reducing the negative impact of floods on farming activities.

“The conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and a shared commitment to solving Africa’s irrigation and water management problems,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called on all levels of government to intensify efforts toward achieving food security across the country.

Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, stressed the importance of strategic planning, especially with Nigeria’s growing population. He called for more professional staffing and better river basin management, urging state governments to become more involved in water governance and food systems.

Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed concern over how climate change is shortening farming seasons and making rainfall less predictable. He warned that these developments are making it hard for farmers to plan.

“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 also urged development partners to take urgent steps in addressing issues around water access and farming in rural communities.

Dr Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, described the conference as timely and important. “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,” he stated.

Dr Arcieri had earlier addressed young professionals during a pre-conference forum aimed at encouraging youth-led solutions in irrigation and water management across Africa.

Ibrahim Musa, head of the African Regional Working Group, expressed hope that the gathering would produce new strategies and effective solutions tailored to the continent’s specific irrigation needs.

The conference will continue in Abuja until April 17, featuring technical sessions, policy discussions, and field visits to various irrigation sites in Nigeria.