Boards, Management Teams Of RBDAs Pledge Collaboration To Achieve Food Security Mandate
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The newly inaugurated Chairmen of the Governing Boards and Managing Directors of the twelve (12) River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), have agreed to work collaboratively to advance the food security agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
They made the pledge on Saturday while addressing journalists shortly after their two-day retreat organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in Abuja.
TheFact Daily reports that the retreat was organised to deepen their understanding of the core responsibilities and operational frameworks of the River Basin Authorities, particularly in alignment with the presidential declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
Speaking on behalf of the Joint Appointees Forum, the MD/CEO of Sokoto Rima RBDA, and Chairman of the MDs forum, Alh. Abubakar Malam, assured President Bola Tinubu of the unwavering commitment of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities in actualising the national agenda of expanding arable land, increasing food availability, and creating more agribusiness opportunities for youth and women groups across the country.
He stated that the RBDAs would take deliberate steps to expand irrigated farmlands, equip farmers with modern agricultural skills, and boost value chain activities aimed at increasing food production, minimising post-harvest losses, and enhancing market access for farm produce.
While acknowledging the challenges of obsolete and outdated facilities and equipment, climate change through silting, flooding, erosion, extreme weather patterns, and armed conflicts in some regions, which may hinder productivity, the Authorities expressed determination to think innovatively and adopt modern irrigation technologies to change the narrative.
Recognising that no single institution could achieve the ambitious goals alone, the Boards and Managing Teams affirmed their commitment to building strong partnerships, especially with state governments, to ensure effective alignment of local actions with national priorities.
“We believe that close collaboration with state authorities will enhance project implementation, strengthen agricultural extension systems, and ensure that the needs of local communities are adequately addressed.
“In addition, we will continue to promote knowledge sharing, staff development, innovation-driven collaboration, and meaningful public and private sector engagement to maximise impact across all regions,” the Forum said.
It urged stakeholders and private sector partners to seize the opportunities presented by the partial commercialisation framework, noting that all the twelve River Basin Authorities have resolved to maintain open door policies that would support and encourage private investment across their respective zones.
The Forum thanked the President for the appointment and expressed appreciation for the administration’s strategic recognition of the River Basins’ role in national development.
