Stakeholders urged to collaborate following Tinubu’s food security emergency declaration
As Nigeria grapples with food security concerns, stakeholders in the water and agricultural sectors have been called upon to collaborate on irrigation solutions to boost food production. This call aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security, emphasizing the need for year-round farming through efficient water management.
Speaking at the 31st National Technical Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation in Uyo, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, underscored the interconnectedness of water, food security, and climate resilience. The 2025 National Council theme, “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change,” highlights the pressing need to address climate-induced disruptions affecting food production.
Pheelangwah stressed that President Tinubu’s directive requires close collaboration between the Ministry of Water Resources, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the River Basin Development Authorities to expand irrigation infrastructure and mitigate climate risks such as flooding, drought, and land degradation.
The technical session featured discussions on flood management partnerships and Nigeria’s long-term water security strategy (2026-2040), with presentations from Dr. Jare Adejuwon and the World Bank Group. Akwa Ibom State, led by Governor Pastor Umo Eno, was commended for hosting the event, as state officials reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s water resource agenda.
With climate change intensifying water-related challenges, experts believe that strengthening irrigation systems, investing in sustainable water management, and integrating climate-smart agricultural practices will be critical to ensuring long-term food security and agricultural resilience.
Source- Vanguard
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
- Strategic Role of Irrigation in Food Security
– Expanding irrigation-fed agriculture is essential for reducing reliance on seasonal rainfall, enabling year-round production of key crops like rice, maize, and vegetables.
– Nigeria’s River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) must be empowered with funding and infrastructure to support smallholder farmers with accessible irrigation schemes. - Addressing Climate Change & Water Resource Management
– Droughts, flooding, and rising temperatures pose major risks to food production. A national climate adaptation framework for water resource management will be crucial.
– Soil moisture conservation techniques, such as mulching, agroforestry, and conservation tillage, should be mainstreamed into Nigeria’s farming systems. - Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Water & Agriculture
– The World Bank’s Water Security Strategic Framework (2026-2040) signals an opportunity for PPP-driven investments in irrigation, dam construction, and water storage facilities.
– Encouraging agribusiness investors to develop private irrigation systems through incentives and funding access can complement government initiatives. - Policy & Institutional Coordination
– The collaboration between the Water Resources Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry must translate into clear policy actions supporting smallholder farmers.
– State governments should align their agricultural policies with federal irrigation expansion plans, ensuring grassroots-level implementation.
The call for water-agriculture collaboration is timely and necessary to mitigate climate-induced food insecurity. Stakeholders—including farmers, agribusiness investors, policymakers, and development partners—must prioritize sustainable water use strategies to secure Nigeria’s food future.
