The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up irrigation and drainage infrastructure across country.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment while speaking at the National Workshop and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID) on Tuesday in Lafia, Nassarawa State.
He highlighted the National Irrigation Development Program, one of the key initiatives designed to enhance the capacity of smallholder farmers, boost agricultural production, and ensure efficient water resource utilization.
He was represented by the Director of Legal Services in the Ministry, Barr. Mrs. Yvonne Odu-Thomas, at the event with the theme “Sustainable Irrigation and Drainage System Management for Food Security in Nigeria.”
Reflecting on progress in irrigation and drainage development, the Minister acknowledged persistent challenges despite the efforts of both government and private stakeholders.
Prof. Utsev, in a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations,
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, emphasized that functional irrigation and drainage systems are critical for overcoming these issues in the water sector.
Utsev urged the adoption of sustainable practices, leveraging modern technologies such as precision irrigation, satellite monitoring, and automation to improve water-use efficiency.
He also stressed the importance of investing in the capacity building of local farmers, engineers, and water management specialists to boost agricultural yields, reduce dependency on erratic rainfall, and enhance food security nationwide.
He called on stakeholders at the event to explore innovative solutions to the challenges in the irrigation and drainage sub-sector.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, represented by the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi, emphasized the role of agriculture in driving substantial economic growth.
He noted that agriculture provides employment for a significant portion of Nigeria’s rural population.
The Permanent Secretary also remarked that the workshop is timely given the recurring challenges in the water sector.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving irrigation and drainage infrastructure through various initiatives and collaborations.
Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi, represented by Mrs. Florence Oyakhirome, Deputy Director in the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, described the event as an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on past achievements and identify areas requiring focused efforts in the years ahead.
The high point of the event was the declaration of the workshop open by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Hon. Abubakar O. Akum.
The workshop, which runs until Friday, 13th December 2024, is attended by stakeholders from across the country, professional bodies, water experts, and members of academia.
