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Food supply

Ambitious Plans to Boost National Food Security in Nigeria

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Nigeria's Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to enhance national food security through large-scale investments in irrigation infrastructure, sustainable water management, and farmer support programs across 20 states. The plan, part of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project, aims to modernize Nigeria's dam and irrigation infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a National Hydropower Masterplan. The participating states are poised to benefit from the initiative, which will also provide training and support to farmers, RBDAs, and youths in water-related skills.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal Government has pledged to invest in irrigation infrastructure, sustainable water management, and farmer support programs across 20 states.
  • 11 new projects, including dams, irrigation schemes, and water supply systems, are slated for commissioning this year in Benue, Jigawa, and Yobe states.
  • The Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project, in partnership with 20 states, will modernize Nigeria's dam and irrigation infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a National Hydropower Masterplan.
  • The ministry has supported over 154,000 hectares of irrigated farmland through the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) and distributed mechanized tools to farmers.
  • More than 4,400 hectares have been leased to commercial farmers to enhance food output through the commercialisation efforts.
  • The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has expanded early warning systems for flood-prone communities, identifying over 1,200 communities across 30 states as vulnerable in 2025.
  • The government has launched the Nigerian National Flood Insurance Programme to cushion farmers and households from losses caused by natural disasters.
  • Human capital development is central to the ministry's strategy, with the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) recently graduating over 230 postgraduates and training over 1,300 youths in pump installation, borehole drilling, and related skills.
  • RBDAs are undergoing partial commercialisation to reclaim encroached farmland and attract agro-investments.
  • The National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) has trained over 1,300 youths in pump installation, borehole drilling, and related skills.

Statistics:

  • Over 154,000 hectares of irrigated farmland have been supported through the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).
  • More than 4,400 hectares have been leased to commercial farmers to enhance food output through the commercialisation efforts.
  • Over 230 postgraduates have graduated from the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) in Integrated Water Resources Management.
  • More than 1,300 youths have been trained by the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) in pump installation, borehole drilling, and related skills.
  • Over 1,200 communities across 30 states have been identified as vulnerable in 2025.
  • The Nigerian National Flood Insurance Programme has been launched to cushion farmers and households from losses caused by natural disasters.
  • Nigeria's inflation rate has declined to 2.06% in April from 2.18% in March, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Sources:

  • Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja
  • Nigeria's Federal Government
  • Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
  • Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project
  • River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs)
  • National Water Resources Institute (NWRI)

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