President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, calling for an expansion of irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management across Nigeria.
The President made this declaration during the sixth African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage, which opened yesterday in Abuja. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for African nations to adopt innovative strategies to tackle irrigation and water resource challenges.
He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” as a timely call for action, highlighting the role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring long-term economic resilience.
“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues,” Tinubu noted. “This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward.”
The President revealed that Nigeria possesses over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land, concentrated around river basins such as the Niger and Benue. According to him, the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have developed more than 153,000 hectares so far and are being partially commercialised to encourage private sector investment.
He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, which aims to minimise agricultural losses due to flooding.
Also speaking at the event, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for a renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.
Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, especially given Nigeria’s growing population. He urged state governments to take a more active role in water governance and food systems.
The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with activities including technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.
