FG, World Bank inaugurates $500 million irrigation and energy project

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has inaugurated the $500 million Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project across the country.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Prof. Joseph Utsev on Tuesday said SPIN will strengthen dam safety, improve irrigation and hydropower, and support food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability nationwide.

He added that the project would increase Nigeria’s resilience to floods, droughts and climate variability, while promoting sustainable energy development and modern water management in rural and urban areas.

“SPIN aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security, economic resilience and sustainable infrastructure development,” Utsev said, recalling the national emergency on food security declared by the President.

The minister explained that SPIN has four components: institutional strengthening, irrigation modernization, improved dam operation and safety, and project management to ensure effective coordination, monitoring and accountability throughout the implementation.

“A key feature is participatory irrigation management through the strengthening of Water Users Associations (WUAs), which will oversee operation, maintenance and sustainability.”

Utsev praised compliant states and encouraged others to join to unlock the benefits of SPIN.

Mathew Verghis, World Bank country director for Nigeria, said economic reforms have stabilized the economy, setting a new trajectory.

“The challenge is to translate this beginning into growth, jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.”

Verghis noted that SPIN built on the TRIMING irrigation project, reaching 1.7 million people and 14,000 hectares, leveraging private sector participation, including partnerships to expand irrigation and productivity.

The World Bank’s Global Director for Water, Saroj Jha, highlighted SPIN’s priorities: maximizing water storage, maintaining irrigation systems sustainably, and attracting private sector investment to improve efficiency and farmer incomes.

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He said many of Nigeria’s 400 dams were affected by siltation and about a quarter of newly irrigated land was lost each year, adding that SPIN addressed these challenges through upgraded WUAs.

“Public investments alone cannot meet food security needs. Private investments are key to improving water efficiency, farmer incomes and productivity,” Jha said, urging stakeholders to recognize the economic value of water.

Jha reaffirmed the World Bank Group’s long-term commitment to support Nigeria in sustainable irrigation, water resources management and climate-resilient agriculture for national development.

(NAN)

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