The River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have committed to implementing contemporary agricultural technologies and strengthening their relationships to support the Federal Government’s food security initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams after a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, Alhaji Abubakar Malam highlighted the many difficulties the authorities face.

He pointed to the ongoing problems of insecurity, harsh weather, and old infrastructure that prevent their zones from operating at their full potential.

Malam, who also serves as the managing director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, spoke about the old equipment and deteriorating infrastructure that prevent the river basin authority from reaching its full potential.

Our facilities are outdated, and climate change intensifies flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain relentless. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future”.

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure local actions align with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes”.

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities will maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is essential in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access. These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” he added.

The Joint Appointees Forum advised the private sector companies, development partners, and other interested parties to take advantage of the new prospects in Nigeria’s agricultural industry.

The event, which supported the government’s food security policy, emphasised the possibility of working together to revitalise rural economies through agribusiness development and sustainable irrigation.

The leadership of all twelve RBDAs came together for the retreat, which ended with a renewed dedication to attaining observable, measurable results. 

Source: NAN

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