Ending their two days retreat in Abuja on Saturday, the new Boards and Management of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have resolved to embrace innovative measures in order to ensure food security in the country among other goals.
The Governing Boards and Executive Management Team recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu were inaugurated on Friday by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev with the charge to think outside the box to bring about the desired changes in the sector.
Prof Utsev had also charged them to accelerate economic growth by opening more land for cultivation, creating agribusiness opportunities for the teeming graduates and youth groups, attracting private sector investments in the food sufficiency drive, and reinvigorating sustainable irrigation management across the country
During the two-day retreat that ended on Saturday, they were taken through various topics by selected resource persons to prepare them for the assignment.
Reading the Joint press statement on behalf of the groups, Alhaji Abubakar Malam, Shettima Gwandu, MD/CEO Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, said "We wish to assure His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that all twelve River Basin Development Authorities are committed to actualising this national agenda.
"This commitment entails expanding arable land, increasing food availability on our tables, and creating more agribusiness opportunities for youth and women groups across the country."
He noted that there are many challenges ahead of them, including obsolete and outdated facilities and equipment, climate change, silting, flooding, erosion, extreme weather patterns, and armed conflicts in some regions.
He added "In response, we are determined to think innovatively and adopt modern irrigation technologies to change the narrative.
"In keeping with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and Goal 13 (Climate Action)—we will take deliberate steps to expand irrigated farmlands, equip farmers with modern agricultural skills, and boost value chain activities aimed at increasing food production, minimising post-harvest losses, and enhancing market access for farm produce."
As Boards and Management teams, he said, we recognise that no single institution can achieve these ambitious goals alone.
"Therefore, we are committed to building strong partnerships, especially with state governments, to ensure effective alignment of local actions with national priorities.
"We believe that close collaboration with state authorities will enhance project implementation, strengthen agricultural extension systems, and ensure that the needs of local communities are adequately addressed.
"In addition, we will continue to promote knowledge sharing, staff development, innovation-driven collaboration, and meaningful public and private sector engagement to maximise impact across all regions." he stated
He therefore called on stakeholders and private sector partners to seize the opportunities presented by the partial commercialisation framework.
"All twelve River Basin Authorities have resolved to maintain open door policies that will support and encourage private investment across our respective zones." he said
According to him, the retreat provided a valuable platform deepening their understanding of the core responsibilities and operational frameworks of the River Basin Authorities, particularly in alignment with the presidential declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
Reaffirming their strong commitment to President Bola Tinubu and appreciation of the administration’s strategic recognition of the River Basins’ role in national development, he said "We stand united in our resolve to contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the 2027 mandate and to advancing sustainable development in Nigeria."