The Federal Government has allocated a total of 395,624 hectares of land for irrigation, with 154,000 hectares already developed, according to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, adding that 1,658,576 farmers are actively participating in ongoing irrigation projects across the country.
Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Utsev announced that “In line with our commitment to enhance food production and job creation, irrigation has become central to our development strategy.”
Highlighting achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the minister said 628 water supply projects have been completed, benefiting over 451,670 Nigerians.
He also noted that the “Clean Nigeria, Use a Toilet” sanitation campaign has expanded from 102 to 142 local government areas.
“We are also upgrading several dams to support this effort,” he added.
Utsev raised concerns about flooding, citing the 2023 overflow of the Alau Dam in Borno State.
He said President Tinubu visited Maiduguri in the aftermath, prompting a Federal Executive Council directive to assess all dams nationwide.
The assessment of Alau Dam is now complete, and Tinubu has approved funds for its reconstruction and upgrade to support both irrigation and hydropower.
He also provided updates on the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa, a project critical for managing flood waters from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
The study and design have been completed, and the ministry is in the process of hiring a transaction adviser.
According to Utsev, the Dasin Hausa Dam will serve irrigation, water supply, hydropower generation, and flood control functions.
Other dam projects nearing completion include the Magro Dam (Plateau State), Obese Dam (Ekiti State), Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam (Taraba State), Irawo Dam (Oyo State), Monkey Dam (Taraba State), and Kari Dam (Akwa Ibom State).
Utsev emphasized: “Irrigation remains a key driver for boosting food production, creating employment, and revitalising the economy.”
