FG inspects Makurdi irrigation project, explains next step

In a major move to scale up irrigated agriculture and enhance rural infrastructure, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has conducted an on-site inspection of the Mbakuv irrigation project in Makurdi LGA, Benue State. He also commissioned a newly constructed 1.5-kilometre access road in Ugodo community.

According to Prof. Utsev, the expansive farm holds over 3,000 hectares of irrigable land, of which 1,200 hectares have been earmarked for irrigation farming. The balance—1,800 hectares—will support the forthcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative, a federal intervention to power agrarian growth.

Highlighting progress, he revealed that:

1. 400 hectares are already cleared and cultivated with maize, pepper, and garden eggs

2. Construction of irrigation water channels is 90% complete

3. Drip irrigation infrastructure is 67% complete

4. Designs for the remaining 600 hectares are at an advanced stage.

Additionally, the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam, currently at 50% completion, has been included in the 2025 federal budget with a prospect of generating hydropower to support energy needs in the region.

Commissioning the Ugodo road, the Minister affirmed that the new infrastructure would enable smallholder farmers to transport their produce to urban markets, enhancing local agri-economies and rural livelihoods.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
This development marks a strategic win for Nigeria’s irrigated agriculture, especially in the North Central region, where agriculture plays a central role in livelihoods and local economies. The combination of expanded irrigation, infrastructure development, and integration with power generation makes this initiative a game changer for inclusive, climate-smart agricultural growth. Here’s what agri-food stakeholders need to consider:

Opportunities

1. Expanded Irrigation Capacity: With over 1,200 hectares actively being prepared for irrigation, year-round farming becomes feasible—particularly beneficial for high-value crops like vegetables and maize.

2. Integration with SPIN Project: The land reserved for SPIN signals a multi-sectoral approach combining irrigation and power—a sustainability model that can transform productivity metrics across the value chain.

3. Market Access through Infrastructure: The access road to Ugodo will reduce post-harvest losses, lower transport costs, and open up new trade routes for rural producers.

Considerations for Stakeholders

1. Private Sector Involvement: To maximize these investments, the government should create an enabling environment for agri-tech firms, aggregators, and agro-processors to participate in off-take agreements and value addition.

2. Farmer Capacity Building: Irrigation infrastructure is only as effective as the capacity of its users. A robust training component on irrigation management, pest control, and market access will be critical.

3. Community Engagement: Continued engagement of local communities—like what was seen with the involvement of HRH Ter Makurdi—is vital for sustainability, especially as the SPIN project scales.

Strategic Insight
For agribusinesses, Benue State is clearly re-emerging as a strategic location for large-scale vegetable and staple crop production. With federal support, access to irrigation, and improving road networks, this is the time to explore aggregator partnerships, contract farming models, and warehousing opportunities in the region.