President Tinubu declares State of Emergency on Food Security in Nigeria

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday 14th of April, 2025, declared a state of emergency on food security in Nigeria while declaring the African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage open in Abuja by the Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of Federation, emphasizing the need for collective action to enhance Africa’s agricultural potential. This bold move was announced at the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in FCT Abuja.

Standard-Times Nigeria reports that President Tinubu, in his welcome address speech, expressed with great pleasure and profound gratitude all the delegates to the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage held here in Abuja, the Capital City of Nigeria.

The Nigerian’s Tinubu further stressed that he learned that this gathering has experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, President Bola said: ” he can confidently say that this conference with the theme: Tackling Irrigation Development and Water management crises in Africa is a call to action towards enhancing African potential in Agriculture; according to the President having identified some food deficit in the nation under the Renewed Hope Administration, I hereby declared a state of Emergency on food security in Nigeria”, The president states.

The ARCID is a platform for Expert Gathering: The conference brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to discuss irrigation and drainage challenges.

Standard-Times Nigeria correspondent gathers that the African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage was once held in Mali, South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt, amongst other African countries, before the 6th ARCID, 2025, now taking place in Nigeria.

It is believed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration aims to address Nigeria’s food deficit through strategic agricultural development.

Smart Irrigation Systems: Leveraging AI and machine learning for efficient water management.

Digital Innovations: Exploring solutions for water security in Africa.
Farmer-led Irrigation Development: Empowering local farmers for sustainable agricultural practices.

Water-Food-Energy Nexus: Balancing competing demands for a sustainable future.

The conference provides a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and showcasing technological advancements in irrigation and drainage. With experts from various member nations in attendance, it’s poised to drive impactful discussions and shape Africa’s agricultural future.

Standard-Times Nigeria also reports that Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, had earlier, in his address, welcomed all the delegates.

His words: “Distinguished delegates, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 6th African Regional Conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria shares the vision of sustainable development and economical utilization of land and water resources, which are crucial for human survival.

Boosting Agriculture for Food Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims to boost agriculture and achieve food security. Our ministry is working tirelessly to:
– Strengthen Access to Portable Water: Enhance food security and improve sanitation and hygiene.
– Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Prioritize climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
– Upgrade Water Infrastructure: Develop and manage water resources effectively
– Deepen Stakeholder Engagements: Foster partnerships for economic growth and development.

Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING)

Our TRIMMING project has achieved significant strides in:
– Water Resources Management: Strengthening management and promoting sustainable practices
Farmer-led Initiatives: Empowering local communities and enhancing economic growth- – Irrigation Schemes: Completing Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori schemes, and drip and micro irrigation projects.

“We’re launching the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, in collaboration with the World Bank, to:
Maximize Socio-economic Value*: Secure and maximize stored water benefits
-Leverage Success Stories Build on TRIMING’s achievements and address gaps

On River Basins Development Authorities (RBDAs)

Hon. Utsev further stressed that We’ve developed over 153,090.10 Ha of irrigable lands and are working to strengthen RBDAs for adequate development and sustainable funding through partial commercialization.

Focusing on Flood Management, the Hon. Minister said:”

Our recent unveiling of the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategies will effectively manage flood impacts on agricultural farmlands.

Prof. Utsev highlights the Conference’s Objectives

During this conference, we’ll discuss progress, share lessons, and explore innovative solutions to global water challenges, focusing on Africa. With the theme “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crises in Africa,” we’re poised to make strides in water security, economic development, and environmental protection.

The Honourable Minister reiterates Nigeria’s commitment to advancing irrigation and drainage, scaling up infrastructure, and enhancing smallholder farmers’ capacity to boost agriculture production and ensure efficient water use.

“I welcome you all to this conference and wish you a productive engagement”, the Hon. Minister remarks.

The Conference had in attendance dignitaries from across Africa and beyond and was graced by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Zulum, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Walson-Jack, Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Permanent Secretary in of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Richard, amongst other dignitaries.