Impressed with groundwork in the past one year, the Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday flagged off the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project.
The project, which is part of moves to provide sustainable power, irrigation and hydropower to boost national food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability in Nigeria, is presently being supported by World Bank with $500 million.
It is also to enhance Nigeria’s resilience to floods, droughts and climate variability.
Flagging off the project, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who is the Chairman of the Steering Committee, noted that the project places strong emphasis on food security, economic resilience and sustainable infrastructure development.
He said “The Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project represents a major strategic intervention by the Federal Government with the objective of strengthening dam safety and the management of water resources for improved irrigation and hydropower to contribute more effectively to national food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability,”
Stressing that SPIN aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises food security, economic resilience and infrastructure development, Prof Utsev said "As you will recall, Mr President has declared a national emergency on food security, underscoring the urgent need to transform Nigeria’s agricultural production systems and ensure reliable access to food for all Nigerians,”
The Minister added "In this context, irrigation development becomes not only a strategic priority but a national point of concern. With increasing climate variability, erratic rainfall patterns, and growing food demand driven by population growth, Nigeria must decisively move beyond dependence on rain-fed agriculture and invest in modern, efficient, and climate-resilient irrigation systems."
The SPIN Project, according to him, has been carefully designed to address these challenges through a comprehensive and integrated framework built around four major components:
He listed the four components to include Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building for Water Resources Management, Irrigation Modernization, Improvement in Dam Operations and Enhancement of Dam Safety, and Project Management, for effective coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and accountability in project implementation
A very important feature of the SPIN Project, Prof Utsev said, is its emphasis on participatory irrigation management and institutional sustainability, especially through the strengthening of Water Users Associations (WUAs).
"These associations will play a vital role in the operation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of irrigation infrastructure, ensuring that investments made today continue to benefit farmers and rural communities and for generations to come."
The Minister also disclosed that 26 states have already keyed into the project, while the remaining 10 states and the FCT have indicated interest.
The three priority areas that will define the success of the project, he said, include Technical Readiness and Quality Assurance, where participating States must ensure that designs, feasibility assessments, dam safety instruments, and safeguard documents related to the proposed intervention schemes meet applicable standards.
"Only credible, bankable, and implementation-ready projects can attract financing and facilitate timely execution."
Another priority area, according to him, is Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship, adding "Working closely with the Honourable Minister of Environment, we must ensure that irrigation development aligns with climate resilience, watershed protection, and sustainable land-use planning. Long-term viability depends on responsible resource management.
"Power Integration and Productive Use: The close collaboration with the Honourable Minister of Power is essential. Irrigation modernization must be supported by reliable and cost-effective power solutions whether grid, embedded, or renewable. This is critical for driving Agro-processing, storage, and rural industrialization." he stated
Speaking at the occasion, the Co-Chairman of the Steering Committee and Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said that the project has started strong and the momentum should be maintained.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Mamman Mahmoud, he also urged members of the project steering committee to remain committed to the successful implementation of the initiative.
While thanking the World Bank for its support, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Power to the project.
Delivering keynote address, the World Bank Global Director for Water, Saroj Kumar, spoke on sustainability of the project.
According to him, it is not just important building new irrigation projects, but measures should be put in place to maintain existing projects.
He also harped on the need for more private sector participation.