Tinubu Unveils Plans To Modernise Irrigation, Engages Youths In Agriculture
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to food security through the strategic modernisation of Nigeria’s irrigation systems and the active involvement of the country’s youth in agriculture. Speaking via the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, the President called for the adoption of innovative irrigation and water management techniques across Africa.
Highlighting Nigeria’s underutilised irrigation potential, President Tinubu noted that over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land—particularly along the Niger and Benue river basins—remain largely untapped. Optimising these resources, he affirmed, will significantly enhance national agricultural productivity and bolster food security.
To ensure sustainability, the government is integrating technology into agriculture by involving youth through platforms like the Young Professionals Forum, which promotes the use of geospatial systems and artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainable irrigated farming.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, added that the federal government, through the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, has already revitalised key irrigation schemes such as Dadin-Kowa, Bakolori, and the Middle Rima Valley—the latter nearing completion. Building on TRIMING’s impact, a new initiative titled Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) is set to launch in partnership with the World Bank.
Thus far, over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land have been developed by the River Basin Development Authorities. The government is also seeking private sector partnerships to maintain and scale these gains.
The conference includes policy discussions, technical sessions, and exhibitions featuring climate-smart irrigation technologies and best practices. Stakeholders are deliberating on participatory irrigation management, climate resilience, and transboundary water governance.
Source- Leadership
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The renewed focus on irrigation modernisation and youth engagement marks a critical pivot in Nigeria’s drive towards food security, especially in the face of climate change and increasing population pressures.
- Unlocking Irrigation Potential = Unlocking Productivity
Nigeria’s 3.1 million hectares of untapped irrigable land represent a transformative opportunity. Efficient irrigation unlocks year-round cultivation, reduces reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and mitigates climate unpredictability—key issues facing smallholder and commercial farmers alike.
Stakeholders in the private sector, especially agro-investors, should start mapping areas where irrigation schemes have been revitalised or are planned, positioning themselves for early investment and PPP opportunities. - TRIMING to SPIN: Continuity in Reform
The transition from TRIMING to SPIN, especially with World Bank collaboration, shows policy continuity. This reduces investment risks for financiers and agribusiness players looking to support irrigation-dependent value chains—such as rice, vegetables, and aquaculture. - Youth + Tech = Scalable Innovation
Integrating young professionals and AI-driven tools into irrigation development isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic. These innovations can boost data-driven farming, early warning systems, and efficient water usage. Agribusinesses should consider collaborating with youth-led agritech firms to co-develop solutions adaptable to local contexts. - Private Sector Role in Sustainability
The government’s call for private investment is timely. To avoid a repeat of moribund irrigation schemes, agri-food stakeholders—particularly those in input supply, mechanisation, processing, and export logistics—should advocate for concession models that ensure returns and accountability. - Policy Dialogues: Be Present, Be Vocal
With discussions around climate change, flooding, and water governance, it’s crucial for agri-food stakeholders to not just observe but influence the policy direction. Participatory irrigation management needs grounded insights from farmers, cooperatives, off-takers, and exporters to be truly inclusive.
Bottom Line
The Tinubu administration’s irrigation-focused roadmap is not just policy rhetoric—it is a call to action. Stakeholders must align their strategic plans with these irrigation development zones, leverage youth-driven tech solutions, and actively engage in policy formulation to shape a resilient and profitable agri-food future for Nigeria and beyond.
