By Khalid Idris Doya Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu weekend at Udubo village in Gamawa LGA of Bauchi sta...
By Khalid Idris Doya
Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu weekend at Udubo village in Gamawa LGA of Bauchi state launched a 30, OOO hectres at Tiamin Rice Farm under the Irrigate Nigeria Project, a key initiative under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) aimed at ensuring food security in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu expressed delight that the project has come to fruition.
Mr. Khalil Halilu said that the objective of the project is to facilitate all year round by farmers regardless of the availability of rain.
Halilu explained that the project is also geared to increase the quantity and qualify of harvest, farmers and farming communities with increased incomes.
According to him, Nigerian communities will greatly benefits through relief prices with resultant availability of food with the country improving its export volumes and earn the much-needed foreign exchange that would support microeconomics stability.
Halilu positioned, "For us at NASENI, this is an ample opportunity to put our technology and innovation into work, as it is also in line with the agency's operating principle of creation, collaboration and commercialisation."
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi state has in a keynote address, said that the Irrigate Nigeria project is a testiment of collective shared vision to transforming Nigeria's infrastructural sector with a powerful engine of economic growth and food security.
Bala Mohammed highlighted that the initiative directly addresses the country's ongoing food scarcity challenges by equipping farmers with modern irrigation techniques and dry-season farming equipment.
He commended National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for spearheading the initiative.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector. Speaking in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, he emphasized that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to ensure food security.
Represented by Adebayo, Dr. Adedeji said, “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria launched the Renewed Hope Agenda for the people, and that is why we are here today to ensure food security for our people.”
Speaking about the Irrigation Nigeria Project, Dr. Dahiru Muhammed, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Technology Transfer, stated that the initiative aims to enhance mechanised farming and enable farmers to cultivate at least three cycles per year.
He outlined the project's objectives, emphasising its potential to revolutionise Nigerian agriculture by increasing annual harvests.
Dr. Muhammed also noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda. Additionally, it promotes the use of locally made farming tools and post-harvest processing equipment.
He explained that previous irrigation initiatives in Nigeria struggled due to over-reliance on government funding, which often led to inefficiencies. However, the Irrigate Nigeria Project adopts a different approach by integrating public sector resources with private sector expertise, investment, and technological advancements.
“This project stands out by merging public and private sector resources, unlike previous irrigation programs that depended solely on federal government funding and were hindered by inefficiencies,” he emphasised.
According to Dr. Mohammed, the project ensures long-term financial sustainability and operational efficiency through risk-sharing mechanisms. It also incorporates advanced irrigation technologies such as solar water pumps provided by NASENI—and other automated irrigation systems to enhance efficiency and reduce water wastage.
“In addition, the Irrigate Nigeria Project prioritizes farmer empowerment by equipping smallholder farmers with training in advanced irrigation techniques, agribusiness development, and market intelligence,” he noted.
He further highlighted that the project aims not only to provide access to water but also to promote sustainable farming practices and stronger market linkages, ultimately making Nigerian agriculture globally competitive.
Dr. Mohammed outlined the key stakeholders involved, including the government represented by RHIDF and NASENI which will lead and coordinate other relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to provide policy support, approvals, infrastructure access, and funding. He emphasized that local farmers and communities will be the primary beneficiaries of the new irrigation initiative.
The project is expected to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by improving irrigation efficiency, strengthening food security, and driving economic growth.
“With one million hectares of irrigated farmland, we project the creation of five million jobs within five years, lifting rural communities out of poverty, integrating farmers into the formal economy, ensuring financial sustainability, and attracting agricultural investment,” Dr. Mohammed said.
He added that the initiative will reduce water wastage, lower farming costs, increase crop yields, and enhance food production and price stability.
Socially, he noted that the project would help curb youth restiveness, slow rural-urban migration, and strengthen community-driven agriculture, thereby contributing to national security.
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