…Bauchi Governor Applauds President Tinubu’s Commitment to Agriculture
Maryam Aminu
In a bold move to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government has officially launched the Irrigate Nigeria Project, an initiative designed to enhance food production and increase farmers’ incomes.
The groundbreaking event took place over the weekend in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State, marking the beginning of a nationwide rollout.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) and private sector stakeholders, is spearheading this initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the project is set to empower farmers with sustainable irrigation systems, enabling year-round farming and reducing reliance on seasonal rainfall. This approach will lead to higher crop yields, lower food prices, and improved economic conditions for farmers.
“This initiative rests on four pillars for sustainability: the deployment of centralized NASENI irrigation systems, provision of enhanced seeds and fertilizers, a specialized commercial model to ensure long-term viability, and a repayment system where farmers contribute portions of their harvests to a strategic food reserve,” Halilu explained.
The pilot phase, launched on a 10-hectare farmland in Gamawa, showcases a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach. Farmers will receive irrigation equipment, technical support, and improved farm inputs while contributing to a national food reserve aimed at stabilizing commodity prices and promoting exports.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, in his remarks, hailed President Tinubu’s vision, stating that the initiative aligns with Bauchi’s strategy to expand irrigation farming and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
“This is not just about farming; it is about food security, economic empowerment, and national stability. The Irrigate Nigeria Project is a model for agricultural excellence, capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain by introducing advanced technologies, boosting production, and ensuring inclusive economic benefits,” Governor Mohammed said.
Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), emphasized that the PPP framework ensures long-term sustainability, unlike previous government-funded agricultural programs that struggled to yield lasting impact.
“No private sector investor commits funds without ensuring success. Unlike past initiatives that relied solely on government or donor funding, the Irrigate Nigeria Project is structured for sustainability through private sector involvement,” Dahiru noted.
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