The Federal Government in partnership with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and other stakeholders, has intensified efforts to combat the looming threat of flooding and broader water management challenges in 2025.
This commitment was reiterated at the ongoing 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) in Abuja where the Nigerian National Committee of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) gathered experts from the continent and beyond to discuss Africa’s pressing water crises.
IWMI’s Africa Director on Research Impact, Funke Koffi, emphasised the organisation’s role in driving proactive flood management strategies.
She highlighted collaborative efforts with Nigerian institutions to develop predictive tools such as the early warning and anticipatory action platform, known as AWARE. According to her, this platform leverages satellite data to forecast flood events and coordinate timely responses.
“Floods are natural disasters that can be difficult to prevent, but we can certainly prepare for and manage them effectively. Our platform enables relevant agencies to take anticipatory action before floods occur, which helps minimize damage and improves response,” Koffi said.
She further noted that IWMI has been working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture since 2012 to develop flood prediction tools and promote the use of floodwaters for productive activities like recession agriculture.
IWMI Director General Mark Smith called for an integrated approach to water management, combining technology, policy reform, and inclusive practices.
According to him:“Water can be the catalyst for transformation across the continent. By improving access to water for women, youth, and smallholder farmers, we can raise incomes, improve health outcomes, and create employment opportunities.”
He referenced key African policy frameworks such as the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the African Union’s 2020 Framework for Irrigation Development, which prioritize water conservation, wastewater recycling, and farmer-led irrigation to build resilience in the face of climate change.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, urged African nations to embrace innovative strategies for water and irrigation development.
Declaring the conference open, Tinubu described the theme -“Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa” – as a vital call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.
“Africa still faces major barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and governance issues. This conference offers a platform to collectively chart a path forward.” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes a National Emergency on Food Security and expanded irrigation infrastructure across more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced the upcoming launch of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project. The initiative, in collaboration with the World Bank, builds upon the successes of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which concluded after over seven years.
“TRIMING delivered transformative results across several states. The SPIN project will address identified gaps and maximize the socio-economic benefits of stored water.” Utsev said.
He moted that under TRIMING, the government completed major irrigation schemes like Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori, achieved 90% progress on the Middle Rima Valley project, and launched interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States. The initiative also saw the creation of Water Users Associations and farmer management centres to strengthen agricultural value chains.
Utsev revealed that the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and are undergoing partial commercialization to attract private investment.
He also highlighted the development of a 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy aimed at minimizing the impact of floods on food production.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Wilson Jack, called for enhanced intergovernmental collaboration to ensure food security through improved irrigation.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, raised concerns over shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, stressing the urgency of investing in irrigation.
“Our land is turning to dust. We must act now and empower women and youth at the heart of our agricultural systems,” Zulum said.
President of ICID, Dr. Marco Arcieri, lauded the conference as a turning point in Africa’s efforts to address climate-induced challenges in agriculture and water management.
“This gathering marks the beginning of renewed commitment and collaborative action,” he said. “The future of African agriculture depends on how we respond today.”
Day 1 of the conference climaxed with the launching of the IWMI – “Organizational Growth Strategy 2024-2030 roadmap”
