The Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project’s Steering Committee was established by the Federal Government to improve climate resilience, water management, and national food security.

With a $500 million budget and World Bank financing, the project intends to provide extensive multifunctional irrigation and hydropower infrastructure.

Speaking at the first meeting in Abuja on Friday, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, who co-chairs the Steering Committee with the Minister of Power, stated that the effort was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, the SPIN project builds on the success of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which helped rehabilitate about 32,000 hectares of irrigation schemes and empowered Water Users Associations (WUAs) across the country.

Nigeria is committed to improving its food, water, and energy security.

Through this project, we target 500,000 hectares of irrigated agriculture, 30 gigawatts of sustainable energy, and strengthened resilience to floods, droughts, and climate change.

“The project consists of four key components: Institutional Strengthening, Irrigation Modernisation, Dam Safety and Operational Improvements, and Effective Project Management.

“It will be implemented under two models: Model 1, which focuses on federal government-managed schemes in collaboration with interested states, and Model 2, which supports state-owned irrigation schemes”.

According to him, out of the 34 states that expressed interest in participating in the project, 27 pledged to meet the readiness criteria, and 17 states have been confirmed as qualified.

He said these states satisfied three key requirements: enacting a WUA law at the state level, allocating budgetary provisions for WUA operations and maintenance, and establishing counterpart funding.

The minister commended the SPIN Interim Team for field assessments and preparing key documents, including the Project Appraisal, Implementation Manual, and 18-month work plan.

He noted that the steering committee, composed of Ministers from relevant sectors and Commissioners from participating states, would serve as the project’s apex policy and decision-making body.

Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the SPIN project as timely, noting that it would build on the achievements of the TRIMING initiative to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Kyari commended the World Bank for its continued support towards sustainable development across various sectors, but emphasised the need to focus more on measuring concrete outcomes.

“In every programme we implement, whether within our ministries or in partnership with international stakeholders, we must ask a fundamental question: What specific results will this project deliver?

“In the case of agricultural production, what measurable outcomes are we targeting? Clarity on such goals ensures that our efforts are meaningful and result-driven.

“While our rapidly growing population is often viewed as a burden, I see it as a powerful opportunity.

“With strategic planning and the right investments, this population can become a major force for innovation and economic growth. Let us not forget that Nigeria remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the world”.

Adelabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Mahmadu Mamman, said the initiative was a major step towards optimising the country’s water resources for long-term development.

He noted that the Ministry of Power, as a key implementing partner, was responsible for preparing project memos aimed at attracting private sector investment in hydropower development.

“This aligns with the broader national vision that sees energy not just as a commodity, but as the foundation for growth and progress,” he said.

The minister also underscored the role of hydropower in Nigeria’s energy transition, citing its technical advantages such as grid stability, efficiency, and its cooperation with other renewable sources like solar and wind.

He urged the committee members to remain committed to the project’s success and assured them that the ministry was ready to address any challenges that may arise.

SPIN Project Manager, Mr Ipinlaye Olaiya, said the World Bank–International Development Association (IDA) intervention will enhance dam safety and support hydropower and irrigation development in selected areas.

According to him, Nigeria has set a target of 500,000 hectares for irrigated agriculture, underscoring the need for states to support the achievement of this goal.

He urged states to enact Water Users Association (WUA) laws to enable their participation in the project’s implementation.

The World Bank Task Team Leader for the SPIN project, Mr Chinedu Umoru, praised the federal government for its strong commitment to its implementation.

Umoru stated that the project team is now fully operational and that the groundwork for advancement is in place with ongoing ministry assistance.

He asked all parties involved to match government efforts with action to guarantee a national impact on irrigation and electrical infrastructure.

In keeping with Nigeria’s long-term development objectives, the SPIN project is anticipated to increase the country’s irrigation capacity, guarantee dam safety, and stimulate rural economies.

Source: NAN

Image Credit: The United Nations