The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation states that Nigeria is ready to improve its irrigation system, aiming to enhance food production.
Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Immigration and Drainage at the Ministry, made this announcement during the ongoing 5-day National Workshop of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID) in Kano, Kano State. The workshop focuses on “The Role of Irrigation and Drainage Practises for Food Security in Nigeria.”
Oluniyi confirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, to intensifying irrigation systems and increasing food production in adherence to the Renewed Hope Agenda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Food Security mandate.
Additionally, Oluniyi assured that the Federal Government is dedicated to ensuring sufficient water supply for homes, industries, and agriculture across the country.
He emphasised the importance of transitioning from conventional rain-fed and unregulated practises to a sustainable and efficient approach to managing land and water resources. This shift involves promoting and developing water and land resources, with a specific focus on irrigation, drainage, flood control, river training, and aligning with the core values of the International Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) and NINCID.
Furthermore, this strategy aims to address challenges such as land degradation, deforestation, rapid population growth, socio-economic development, and climate change while ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.
Representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Oluniyi highlighted the government’s prioritisation of the water sector. This emphasis seeks to alleviate poverty, integrate model farm development, generate employment, and manage the environment.
Source: Radio Nigeria
