JUST IN: Tinubu Declares National Emergency On Food Security

JUST IN: Tinubu Declares National Emergency On Food Security

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared a state of emergency on food security, calling for the expansion of irrigation infrastructure and inclusive water resource management across the country.

The President made this known at the opening ceremony of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage, held in Abuja. He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward,” he said.

Tinubu urged African nations to embrace innovative approaches in tackling the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges, noting Nigeria’s vast potential with over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land situated around strategic river basins like the Niger and Benue.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the completion of key projects under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) initiative.

He further announced the launch of its successor—the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria project—which aims to bridge existing gaps and enhance the economic utility of water resources in advancing national food security.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.

“This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.