FEC approves N26.35bn for Kano irrigation dams, targets 300,000 jobs

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N26.35 billion for the urgent rehabilitation and expansion of three key dams within the Kano River Irrigation Project, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and preventing environmental degradation.

Announcing the approval after Monday’s FEC meeting, Dr. Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, explained that the projects are essential for restoring aging infrastructure, some of which dates back to 1974.

Umobong revealed that the council awarded N11.84 billion to MSSRS Masaki Limited for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Tiga Dam, a major component of the Kano River Irrigation scheme.

UYK Nigeria Limited secured the contract for the Shalangwa Gorge Dam’s irrigation scheme at N7.47 billion, while the Kafin Chiri irrigation project was awarded at N7.04 billion.

“These interventions are crucial for ecological remediation, ensuring the structural integrity of the dams and preventing flooding,” Umobong stated.

She added that the projects are expected to benefit 30,000 farm families and reclaim 50,000 acres of arable land, enabling up to three farming cycles annually through irrigation.

In addition to enhancing food production, the initiatives are projected to create over 300,000 jobs. Key deliverables include erosion control, watershed management across 16 local government areas in Kano State, and the full ecological rehabilitation of the affected areas.

In a related development, the council also approved new works on the Alau Dam near Maiduguri, which suffered significant damage and caused severe flooding during last September’s rainy season.