The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s water resources and irrigation infrastructure through enhanced collaboration with the World Bank, as part of measures to boost food production, expand access to safe drinking water and attract greater investment into the sector.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this during a meeting with a World Bank delegation led by the Task Team Leader for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, Zack Zieglhifer, in Abuja.
According to the minister, the partnership is aimed at accelerating the development of modern irrigation systems, improving water resource management and enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector to climate change.
Utsev noted that expanding irrigation infrastructure is critical to increasing year-round agricultural production, improving farmers productivity and strengthening national food security.
He also emphasized the importance of improving access to safe and reliable water supply for households and communities, describing it as a key component of the government’s sustainable development agenda.
The minister said the collaboration with the World Bank would help mobilise technical expertise and financial resources needed to implement strategic water and irrigation projects across the country.
During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities to advance the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, which is expected to promote integrated water management, expand irrigated agriculture and encourage private-sector investment in water infrastructure.
Stakeholders noted that improved irrigation facilities would enable farmers to increase crop production beyond the rainy season, reduce vulnerability to erratic weather conditions and support the development of high-value agricultural value chains.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with development partners to modernise Nigeria’s water infrastructure, enhance irrigation services and create a more productive, climate-resilient and food-secure agricultural sector.
